Konstanz, Germany | Around 150 experts from 13 countries gathered in Konstanz for the seventh edition of the Diagnostics 4 Future Conference. Organised by the BioLAGO health network, the annual congress has become an important industry meeting place for experts from industry, research and medicine in the field of diagnostics. Over two days, specialists discussed current and future needs and presented the latest products and solutions. The central theme was the use of AI in the detection of diseases, the identification of antibiotic resistance and with a view to sustainability, both in diagnostics itself and in clinics and laboratories. The conference was rounded off by a trade fair.
Artificial intelligence has long since found its way into diagnostics. Through the use of AI, large amounts of data from laboratory values, imaging procedures or patient data can be efficiently evaluated and interpreted. Algorithms and machine learning already support, for example, the detection of tumours or skin changes. AI thus makes an active contribution to faster and more accurate diagnoses. However, solutions are still lacking for many tasks and issues, and the interaction between humans and intelligent software must be learned and established, as a high-calibre panel discussion with representatives from clinics, science and industry made clear. Michael Sahnau, head of the health division at IT giant Microsoft, emphasised that ‘AI is becoming increasingly important in day-to-day care,’ but that ‘humans will remain irreplaceable in the future.’ Professor Markus Juchems, chief physician and head of radiology at the clinics in Konstanz and Singen, reported on previous experiences with AI and pointed out that ‘medical professionals should be involved in the development of new technologies as early as possible’ in order to harmonise them with hospital procedures.
Detecting antibiotic resistance faster: AI helps
Another focus of the conference was new methods for the rapid detection of antibiotic resistance, i.e. bacteria that have become insensitive to antibiotics. According to the European Commission, antimicrobial resistance is one of the three greatest health threats requiring urgent action. According to new data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 35,000 people across the EU die each year from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs, with additional healthcare costs of €1.5 billion. Here, too, AI can help save lives and reduce costs: Michelle Bressan from the Institute of Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich showed how multimodal AI language models, combined with automation, are already being used successfully in laboratories to detect resistance at an early stage and adapt therapy to the pathogen.
Efficiency and sustainability in diagnostics – but how?
The topic of overdiagnosis provided food for thought. This refers to medical examinations that are not strictly necessary, which are often carried out for reassurance, but which do not benefit patients and may even be harmful in some cases. Alexandra Jønsson from Roskilde University and John Brodersen from Copenhagen University Hospital, two leading researchers in this field, presented solutions and ways to achieve more efficient and sustainable diagnostics. At the end of the conference, Dennis Göthlich from the University Hospital of Zurich and Frank Michel from the pharmaceutical and chemical giant Merck reported on how simple measures can be used to make processes in healthcare and industry more sustainable, for example by reducing energy consumption.
Conference on Lake Constance is internationally unique
In addition to these future prospects, the congress offered the experts in attendance plenty of opportunity for personal exchange. The event kicked off with organised one-on-one meetings, where participants could get to know each other and discuss possible collaborations. Between the presentations, exhibitors showcased their products and services for diagnostics. "Diagnostic-4-Future has developed into an important platform for the international diagnostics industry. The combination of all sectors within diagnostics with a clear focus on future needs and issues is a key unique selling point of this format," said Dr Oliver Nolte, member of the BioLAGO Executive Board and Head of Diagnostics at the Institute of Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich. BioLAGO intends to stick to this concept, and preparations for the next conference in autumn 2026 are already underway. This year's supporting industry partners included Curida AS and GeSiM- Gesellschaft für Silizium-Mikrosysteme mbH.
