Advancing Medical Education: Collaboration with DECODE on Global Digital Health Guidelines

A groundbreaking initiative led by a group of 211 international experts from 79 countries has resulted in the publication of new guidelines aimed at integrating digital health competencies into medical education worldwide. These guidelines, titled Digital Health Competencies in Medical Education (DECODE), were published in JAMA Network Open and provide a comprehensive framework to help medical institutions prepare future doctors for the digital transformation of healthcare. Among the contributors to this landmark study were experts from the University of Montenegro’s Faculty of Medicine, highlighting the country’s role in shaping the future of medical education. AI-AGE team members participated in this effort, with one of its team members co-authoring the study.

The DECODE guidelines focus on four key areas: professionalism in digital health, patient and population digital health, health information systems, and health data science. These competencies are already being adopted in various countries, where they have influenced new learning outcomes for medical graduates. To support their implementation, an online event will be held on March 14, 2025, offering insights into how institutions can integrate these competencies into their curricula. As the Faculty of Medicine aligns its education strategy with DECODE, this initiative represents a significant step toward equipping future healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of digital healthcare.

Click on image to view the paper at the JAMA Network Open website

N-Ways to GPU Programming Bootcamp

The NVIDIA, EuroCC Austria, EuroCC Czechia, EuroCC Germany, EuroCC Montenegro, EuroCC Poland, EuroCC Sweden, and EuroCC Slovenia invite you to the N-Ways to GPU Programming Bootcamp, which will be held online from 8-9 April 2025. The application deadline is 10 March 2025 (this announcement adopted from NCC Montenegro, EuroCC2).

The N-Ways to GPU Programming Bootcamp offers a comprehensive introduction to GPU programming. Participants will learn about various methods for adapting scientific applications to GPUs using NVIDIA CUDA, OpenACC, OpenMP offloading, and standard programming languages.

Throughout the bootcamp, attendees will work alongside teaching assistants to explore multiple GPU programming models. They will also learn how to analyze GPU-enabled applications using NVIDIA Nsight Systems. The program includes hands-on activities that allow participants to apply their newly acquired skills to real-world problems.

Course details

  • Content level Content level: Basic = (100%) + Intermediate = (0%) + Advanced = (0%)
  • Entry level : Basic – no prior GPU programming knowledge is required
  • Prerequisites : Basic experience with C/C++ or Fortran
  • Target audience : Course for academia, industry, and public administration.
  • Course format : This course will be delivered as a LIVE ONLINE COURSE (using Zoom), All communication will be done through Zoom, Slack, and email.

Registration form and more info : [link]

BioExcel Workshop Balkan Edition

2-Day Hands-On Workshop

Hybrid Learning Experience jointly organized by BioExcel and supported by Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy & Faculty of Physics, DISCOVERER Supercomputer and National Competence Centres in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, this hydrid workshop will offer participants the chance to engage both on-site and online. The workshop will focus on the use of BioExcel core codes such as GROMACS, HADDOCK and PMX with a strong emphasis on hands-on practical sessions and guidance from leading experts in the field.

  • When & Where: May 21–22, 2025 | Sofia University, Bulgaria & Online
  • Apply by: April 15, 2025
  • Don’t miss out and boost your research skills! More info and registration: [link]

Dr Aleksandra Klisić Recognized as a Leading Scientist

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation has awarded Doc. Dr. Aleksandra Klisić as the most successful scientist for her outstanding contributions to laboratory medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. She is recognized among the top 2% most cited scientists globally, with 34 papers published in SCI/SCIE-indexed journals in 2024, including seven as the first author. Additionally, she has reviewed over 150 scientific papers and serves on the editorial boards of four SCIE journals while leading two international projects and participating in a national research initiative.

Doc. dr Aleksandra Klisic

As a member of the AI-AGE team, Dr. Klisić’s expertise in metabolic research significantly contributes to the project’s focus on AI-driven advancements in medical diagnostics and aging biomarkers. While her recent award is not directly tied to AI-AGE, her scientific excellence and research leadership align with the project’s mission to leverage artificial intelligence in healthcare innovation.

AI-AGE Shines at the 29th IT 2025 Conference on Information Technology

We are thrilled to share highlights from the successful presentation of the AI-AGE project at the 29th IT Conference, held from February 19-22, 2025, in Žabljak, Montenegro. Our team had the opportunity to present the project’s advancements and engage with a vibrant community of experts and stakeholders over three dynamic days.

🔬 Wednesday – Project Results Fair:
The AI-AGE team showcased the project’s core achievements during the Project Trade Fair and Dissemination of Results. Attendees explored how AI-AGE is pushing the boundaries in identifying novel, non-invasive biomarkers of aging using artificial intelligence. The session allowed for meaningful exchanges with other project teams and stakeholders, sparking discussions on future collaborations and applications of AI in medicine.

AI-AGE project was presented at the IT 2025 spectial session dedicated to dissemination of project results

🎤 Thursday – Expert Presentation:
Mr. Dejan Babić delivered an insightful presentation detailing his research and contributions to the AI-AGE project. His talk covered the technical intricacies of using deep learning for retinal image segmentation, a key part of AI-AGE’s mission to discover aging biomarkers. The session attracted considerable interest, leading to valuable feedback and new ideas for further research.

Mr. Dejan Babic giving a presentation on AI-AGE at the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE workshop for young researchers

💡 Friday – Panel Discussion:
Prof. Nataša Popović joined the distinguished panel “ICT Future from the Present”, where she shared perspectives on the evolving role of AI in healthcare and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Her insights emphasized how projects like AI-AGE are not only advancing scientific research but also paving the way for practical healthcare solutions.

prof. Natasa Popovic taking part in the panel discussion on the last day of the conference

We are grateful to the organizers of IT 2025 for providing a platform to share our work and to all participants for their engaging questions and support. The AI-AGE team looks forward to building on this momentum as we continue our mission to revolutionize aging research.

AI-AGE at IT2025: Advancing AI for Biomarkers of Aging

On 19 Feb at the IEEE IT2025 Conference in Žabljak, the AI-AGE project will be presented during the Project Trade Fair. AI-AGE leverages artificial intelligence to identify novel, non-invasive biomarkers of aging, aiming to enhance early diagnostics and personalized healthcare. By integrating cutting-edge AI techniques with biomedical research, the project is paving the way for more accurate and accessible aging assessments. Join us to explore how AI is transforming the future of healthcare and longevity research! 🌍💡

Exploring Frailty and Multimorbidity: Advancing Healthcare for Middle-Aged Populations in Montenegro

At the Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, groundbreaking research is being conducted to address a growing health challenge: frailty and its connection to multimorbidity in middle-aged individuals. While traditionally associated with older adults, frailty is increasingly recognized as a critical issue for younger age groups, with significant implications for healthcare systems.

Exploring Frailty and Multimorbidity: Advancing Healthcare for Middle-Aged Populations in Montenegro

🔍 Why This Research Matters:

Frailty and multimorbidity are major contributors to increased mortality rates and healthcare utilization, creating a substantial burden on individuals and health systems alike. By examining these issues in a middle-aged Montenegrin population, this research aims to fill a critical knowledge gap and pave the way for more proactive healthcare approaches.

🎯 Main Goals of the Study:

  • Understand Frailty Prevalence: Investigate how frailty impacts middle-aged individuals and its relationship with chronic and infectious diseases.
  • Enhance Healthcare Strategies: Explore patterns in healthcare utilization to better address the dual challenges of frailty and multimorbidity.
  • Strengthen Health Systems: Provide actionable insights to support early identification and timely interventions for at-risk individuals, particularly in low- and middle-income settings.

This research emphasizes the urgent need to integrate frailty and multimorbidity assessments into primary healthcare, enabling tailored interventions that improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. By focusing on preventive care and system strengthening, we can work toward reducing the burden of chronic diseases and enhancing the resilience of healthcare systems.

🌍 Building a Healthier Future:

The AI-AGE team is committed to advancing medical research that addresses pressing public health challenges. Together, we aim to create a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system for all.

Celebrating the Conclusion of the RECOGNISED Project: A Milestone in Diabetes and Dementia Research

After four impactful years of collaboration, the RECOGNISED project, funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, has successfully reached its conclusion. This initiative brought together 21 partners from nine countries, including academic institutions, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), patient advocacy groups, and international research infrastructures like EATRIS, showcasing the power of multidisciplinary collaboration. Learn more about RECOGNISED project at [link]

Collaborating institutions in RECOGNISED project

Key Achievements:

🔬 Innovative Research: The project explored the use of the retina as a “window to the brain,” focusing on how retinal changes can serve as biomarkers for cognitive decline and dementia in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

💡 Groundbreaking Findings: Researchers conducted experimental and clinical studies, uncovering common molecular mechanisms between diabetic retinopathy and Alzheimer’s disease.

🌍 Global Collaboration: With partners from across Europe, including Montenegro, Spain, Italy, the UK, and the Netherlands, the project fostered a diverse network of experts in diabetes, ophthalmology, and neurology.

The insights gained through RECOGNISED have opened new avenues for early detection and treatment strategies, improving the quality of life for people with type 2 diabetes at risk of cognitive decline.

We extend our gratitude to all the partners and researchers for their dedication and to the European Union for their support through Horizon 2020.

Together, we are advancing the future of healthcare. 💙

AI-AGE project and progress presentation

On 27 December, University of Donja Gorica hosted a discussion on active project results and progress. Mr Dejan Babic, a young researcher on AI-AGE project gave a presentation on the project and current results.

Mr Dejan Babic gave a presentation on the AI-AGE project
It was a good opportunity to exchange experiances and explore possibilities for collaboration
Dejan went over the current status of the project and plans for the next year

HPC/AI Workshop and Student Conference

The University of Donja Gorica hosted the highly anticipated HPC/AI Workshop and Student Conference on Saturday, December 21st. This event served as a key platform to highlight the outcomes of the HPC4S3ME IPA project and the AIFusion training program supported by the Innovation Fund of Montenegro. Both projects were developed within the framework of EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE, with support from the NCC Montenegro team. The events showcased significant advancements in high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) in Montenegro.

AI-AGE team members took part in mentoring students throughout the preparetion for the conference. The conference resulted in a Book of abstracts published on 30 December 2024. Read more at: link.

HPC/AI Workshop and Student Conference took place on 21 December 2024 at the UDG
Over 50 attendees at the conference, mainly students and young researchers