Summary of AI Applications in Infection Biology course 2024

In May 2024, NDPIA offered a newly developed course on AI applications in infection biology. This course was held on 20-24 May at Rånäs Slott, Rånäs.

“The aim of this course was to introduce infection biologists to the often abstract and overwhelming idea of using AI in their research. By offering concrete examples of how to implement these tools, students gain confidence to apply these approaches in their own research projects.” 

-Debra Milton, NDPIA National Director

Group photo of the participants and organizers of AI applications in infection biology 2024. The photo was taken by personnel at Rånäs Slott.

With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), powerful tools are now available to analyze and to interpret complex biological data to enhance our understanding and combating of infectious diseases. We had eleven national and international experts in the field to introduce participants to AI methods used to predict disease outbreaks, to predict antibiotic resistance of pathogens, to survey pathogens and antibiotic resistance in the environment, to decipher host-pathogen interactions, to aid the development of new antimicrobials and to use AI responsibly.

“This was a fantastic course. Very useful and helpful to get such a thorough insight into this repidly developing field, and getting to know people active in it. I would highly recommend this course!”

-Anonymous participant

Lecture on “Clinical antimicrobial resistance prediction using machine learning”, given by Caroline Weis, Senior AI/ML Engineer and team leader for Clinical AI at GSK, Zurich. Photo: Hanna Eriksson.

Lecture on “Responsible AI and future challenges”, given by Juan Carlos Nieves Sanchez, associate professor at Umeå University. Photo: Louise Lindbäck.

Integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines will be necessary to address many questions within infection biology. However, taking the first step to implement these tools in research projects can be daunting. Therefore, we also included three workshops in this course with concrete examples which was much appreciated by the students. The workshops were focused on the AlphaFold AI system, SIAMCAT metagenomic data analysis and scientific automation.

We aim to initiate discussions and collaborations across these disciplines, and the beautiful scenery of this venue ensured a relaxed atmosphere and many networking opportunities. The weather allowed poster sessions to be held both outdoors and indoors, with lively discussions also during break times. In addition, students and lecturers were engaged in several social activities including different games and utilizing the sauna and pools by the lake.

“Overall, the lecturers were very inclusive and interested in questions and discussions. Much appreciated!”

-Anonymous participant

Workshop session on automated science, given by Paul Jensen, assistant professor at the University of Michigan, and Mark Hendricks, assistant professor at the Whitman College, Washington. Photo: Louise Lindbäck.

Students were presenting and discussing their work during poster sessions. Photo: Hanna Eriksson.

Students and lecturers taking part of course dinner. Photo: Hanna Eriksson.

Students participating in social evening activities. Photo: Louise Lindbäck.

“Very nice structure of the course! I could on the later course days understand things thanks to the previous days lectures, which had not made sense to me otherwise. So a nice escalation through the course, which made it very useful.”

-Anonymous participant

To see the full course program, please visit:  AI Applications in Infection Biology Course 2024 | NDPIA

Many thanks to the organizing committee:

Debra Milton, Umeå University, NDPIA National Director

Kemal Avican, Umeå University

Laura Carroll, Umeå University

Jenny Persson, Umeå University

Hanna Eriksson, Umeå University, NDPIA Project Administrator