At the September team meeting, members discussed recent progress and upcoming project goals. The team submitted a journal paper on AI software for image quality assessment, and we are working on refining predictive modeling for Alzheimer’s disease and colorectal cancer. The initial results are promissing, but more experimenting is on the way.
The team also agreed to extend the Biobank subscription for two more years, ensuring continued access to essential datasets. With several manuscripts nearing submission, AI-AGE continues to strengthen its interdisciplinary collaboration between technology and healthcare.
Dr. Božidar Cacić, a PhD student mentored by Prof. Dr. Nataša Popović and a member of the AI-AGE project team, participated in the International Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo, 11–13 September 2025) by presenting a peer-reviewed conference paper, thereby contributing to interdisciplinary international cooperation and to the education and training of young researchers. The paper title is “Digital Biometrics of Myopia Risk: Correlating Smartphone Usage and Study Patterns with Myopia Using Objective Screen Time Metrics at the Faculty of Medicine in Montenegro”
The AI-AGE project (Artificial Intelligence Supported Identification of Novel Non-invasive Biomarkers of Aging) was presented at the 13th Science Festival – European Researchers’ Night, held on September 26 at the Bemax Arena in Podgorica. As Montenegro’s largest science outreach event, the festival highlighted how research and innovation shape everyday life, and AI-AGE stood out by demonstrating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) in medicine.
AI-AGE featured at the 13th Science FEstival organized by PRONA
Through AI-AGE, researchers are developing advanced AI models that analyze medical images, such as retinal scans, to identify novel biomarkers of aging. These efforts, supported by HPC resources provided through NCC Montenegro (EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE), aim to accelerate early detection of age-related diseases and advance personalized healthcare. By bridging AI, HPC, and biomedical science, AI-AGE showcases Montenegro’s active role in the European Research Area and its contribution to the future of healthcare innovation.
This event was focused on connecting science, innovation and societyAI-AGE was part of the presentation related to HPC and AI
On September 10, 2025, Prof. Dr. Nataša Popović, Head of the Department of Medical Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, delivered her inaugural lecture titled “AI-AGE: Artificial Intelligence in the Identification of Non-Invasive Biomarkers of Aging.”
This lecture officially marked her election to the academic rank of Full Professor, representing one of the most significant milestones in an academic career at the University of Montenegro. In her lecture, Prof. Popović presented key insights from the AI-AGE project, which integrates artificial intelligence and biomedicine to identify novel, non-invasive biomarkers of biological age. The project addresses the limitations of conventional retinal image analysis by applying advanced AI techniques for vessel segmentation and deep learning-based prediction models, contributing to the early detection of accelerated aging and the promotion of healthy longevity.
Ai-Age featured inte inaugural lecture of prof. Natasa Popovic
Prof. Popović emphasized that this interdisciplinary initiative not only advances the understanding of aging mechanisms but also supports the translation of scientific findings into clinical and public health practice, with the goal of improving the quality of life for the aging population.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro has officially reviewed and approved the Annual Progress Report for the first research year of the project AI-AGE – Artificial Intelligence Supported Identification of Novel Non-invasive Biomarkers of Aging. The report highlights successful completion of all planned activities, including establishment of research infrastructure, expanded access to the UK Biobank, advanced AI/ML experimentation, and the initiation of interdisciplinary doctoral research.
Following the first successful year, AI-AGE will continue for two more years in accordance with the approved work plan. The focus for the next phase will be on validating early research results, publishing scientific papers, and strengthening international cooperation. The project continues to play a key role in advancing Montenegro’s research capacities in artificial intelligence and biomedicine through collaboration between the University of Donja Gorica and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro.
Official confirmation of the project implementation for the first year
The AI-AGE team held an online meeting to discuss ongoing work with the UK Biobank and data access for retinal imaging analysis. Team members reviewed progress on obtaining RAP login credentials and explored existing repositories of annotated fundus photographs to support AI-based quality differentiation. Collaboration between Dejan, Ivan, and Isidora will focus on identifying suitable datasets and pre-trained models for future algorithm development. This meeting marks an important step toward integrating real-world clinical data into AI-AGE research workflows.
Data gathered from UK Biobank participants (soruce: UK Biobank)
Successful presentation and from Dejan Babic from University of Donja Gorica at the EuroCC4SEE Seminar organized by NCC Turkiye. This was a part of the EuroCC4SEE project, five countries – Türkiye, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina – have joined forces to present an engaging online seminar series titled: “5 Beats of Intelligence: AI Meets Diverse Domains”.
Successful presentation at the Seminar series, around 25 attendees
More details on schedule of seminar presentations and and registrations can be accessed at NCC Turkiye website at the foillowing link.
The presentation covered use cases from the AI-AGE project implemented at UDG with NCC support
The one-day short course “From Personal Computing to HPC”, held on April 29, 2025, successfully brought together around 20 participants from academia, industry, and public institutions. The course offered a practical introduction to the evolution from everyday computing environments to high-performance computing (HPC), with a focus on real-world applications and national infrastructure. Mr Dejan Babic gave presentation on the use of UDG cluster for solving use cases pertinent to AI applications in medicine.
Dejan Babić and Elvis Taruh guided attendees through key concepts, showcasing how HPC resources can be leveraged for data-intensive tasks and advanced simulations. Through interactive discussions and live demonstrations, participants gained insights into the capabilities of Montenegro’s EuroCC infrastructure and how to access and utilize HPC resources for their own research or professional needs. The course sparked meaningful exchanges and interest in further training, highlighting the growing demand for computational skills in diverse fields. AI-AGE computing node was featured in the training that was done in the context of EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE projects. More about the event at the HPC Montenegro website [link].
Researcher and associate at the University of Donja Gorica, Dejan Babić, MA, participated in the panel “Digital Economy” organized by the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Department of Social Sciences. In his presentation, he shared his impressions from a recent visit to China, emphasizing the openness and cordiality of the Chinese hosts, as well as the high level of professionalism at universities. He particularly emphasized the way in which China, as a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence, strategically invests in the development of infrastructure and human capital, which enables the rapid application of innovations and the shaping of a modern digital economy through the synergy of the academic community and industry.
Presentation on experiences from the mobility visit to Bejing in China
In the continuation of his presentation, Dejan Babić MA also presented parts of his doctoral research focused on the application of artificial intelligence in medicine, especially in the analysis of aging biomarkers through the fundus, which he is implementing through the AIAGE project. He highlighted the challenges facing the healthcare sector, such as diagnostic errors and the workload of medical staff, as well as the potential of AI technologies to improve the accuracy, speed and accessibility of healthcare. He paid special attention to generative models, predictive diagnostics and explainable AI, as the most promising directions of development that contribute to the digital transformation of healthcare and open up new opportunities for economic growth through innovation and cooperation between different sectors.
Presentation of research activities based on AI-AGE use case
A delegation from the University of Donja Gorica visited the Republic of China from March 22 to April 1, with the primary goal of strengthening cooperation with Chinese universities in the field of artificial intelligence. During the visit, the delegation engaged with different universities and institutions: Henan University, SIAS University, Beijing University of Technology (BJUT), Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), Beijing Union University (BUU), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ANSO).
UDG visits Beijing, China
Mr Dejan Babic (PhD student) and mr Stevan Cakic (PhD candidate), both members of the AI-AGE project team, were responsible for discussion related to AI and applied computer science. They were actively involved in engagement of their Chinese peers to explore the oppotunities for collaboration.
AI-AGE project team members were actively involved in exploring oppotrunities for collaborations
Each visit included structured meetings focused on developing joint research initiatives, student and staff exchange programs, as well as opportunities for participation in summer schools and international collaborations. The Chinese side demonstrated exceptional hospitality, professionalism, and a strong interest in building long-term partnerships. In addition to the official program, the delegation had the opportunity to explore Chinese history and culture through visits to key historical landmarks and institutions.
UDG team visited several universities in BejingThis was also a life changing experience as this was the first visit to China for our researchers
