With the explosive rise of AI tools over the past few years, what role can they play in health research?

That was the question posed to the participants of Artificial Intelligence in Research, a showcase session hosted by the MMSF and supported by Manitoba Blue Cross at this year’s Manitoba Student Health Research Forum.

Hosted by MMSF Board director Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee, the event featured presentations by Dr. Lisa Lix (Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Methods for Electronic Health Data Quality) and Dr. Sabine Mai (Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Genomic Instability and Nuclear Architecture of Cancer).  

The session concluded with a panel discussion featuring Dr. Lix, Dr. Mai, and Shirin Chehelgami, a PhD student in the Faculty of Engineering.

Dr. Lix’s presentation, When Data are Scarce: Using Synthetic Data to Improve Health AI Research, discussed the benefits and challenges of using synthetic data – artificial data that is designed to act like real data. She highlighted the balance of creating high-quality data that also protected people’s privacy.

Dr. Mai’s presentation, Using AI to Detect Single Multiple Myeloma Cells, detailed her team’s progress in multiple myeloma diagnosis. Using machine learning, she and her team are exploring techniques that can detect blood cancer cells at an earlier stage – allowing lifesaving treatment to begin earlier.

Thank you to Dr. Lix, Dr. Mai and Shirin Chehelgami for your participation!

About the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation

Since 1971, the MMSF has awarded over $26.5 million to cutting-edge research and education to benefit the health of Manitobans and those around the world. In partnership with educational and research institutions and other foundations throughout Manitoba, the MMSF has contributed to the incredible work of local researchers who have changed the health landscape. Since inception, Manitoba Blue Cross has been the primary supporter of the MMSF – providing both financial and administrative support. Manitoba Blue Cross’s deep commitment to health and wellness makes it a strong ally in MMSF’s mission to improve health outcomes for all Manitobans.