Perspectives on the augmentation of wastewater-based epidemiology with machine learning

02.06.2025 | ZKI-PH PhD student Eva Aßmann et al. explore how machine learning can enhance wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for global health surveillance. By integrating contextual data like weather, mobility, and demographics, ML can reduce uncertainties and improve pathogen signal …

EMViR, an AI-ready dataset for virus detection in electron microscopy images

02.06.2025 | The EMViR dataset, published by ZKI-PH doctoral researcher Paula Klimczok and collaborators at the RKI, provides 1,084 electron microscopy images of respiratory viruses with detailed segmentation masks. It supports AI model development for a variety of tasks such as object detection and …

Save the Date: "AI in Public Health Research" Symposium on 9^th–10^th September, 2026

26.05.2025 | The third edition of the "AI in Public Health Research" Symposium will take place on 9th-10th September, 2026, in Berlin, Germany. Pre-registration is already possible.

A look back at the second “AI in Public Health Research” Symposium

15.05.2025 | At the second “AI in Public Health Research” Symposium, over 180 experts explored how AI is transforming public health:  from AMR monitoring to climate-related risks, from decision-making to AI regulations. Two clear takeaways emerged: structured, standardised data is the foundation for …

Poor peer relationships are a strong contributor to the adolescent mental health crisis

12.05.2025 | Using data from two large cohort studies, ZKI-PH researcher Heiner Stuke et al. apply interpretable machine learning to identify predictors of adolescent mental health. The study highlights peer problems as a key causal factor, more so than screen time or inactivity, offering new …

The German Federal Chancellery visits the ZKI-PH at RKI

05.05.2025 | Representatives from the German Federal Chancellery’s Health Division (312) visited the ZKI-PH on May 5th, 2025. The visit included presentations on current projects, interdisciplinary research, and the role of AI in public health research. Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers shared …

G+G Interview with Dr. Katharina Ladewig on AI research at the Robert Koch Institute

05.05.2025 | How can AI improve public health? Dr Katharina Ladewig, Managing Director of the ZKI-PH, explains in an interview with the AOK how AI-based research can benefit society. The focus is on interdisciplinary collaboration, real-world applications and the responsible handling of data. …

Holistic forecasting for future pandemics

30.04.2025 | This article examines how AI-supported epidemic forecasting can strengthen pandemic preparedness. ZKI-PH researcher Luis Gomez et al. review high-risk pathogens, modelling methods, and data sources, and argue for integrated forecasting systems that incorporate multiple drivers of …

PhD programme 2025 – 2028 at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research (ZKI-PH)

30.04.2025 | The ZKI-PH PhD programme "AI in Public Health" is entering its fourth round. Developed in collaboration with other RKI departments, the interdisciplinary projects offer doctoral candidates a structured path into AI-driven public health research. The planned start is October 2025. …

Conference “CLIMADEMIC Summer School 2025”, 7^th–11^th July 2025 in Berlin, Germany

02.04.2025 | The CLIMADEMIC Summer School 2025 will take place in Berlin from 7th–11th July, bringing together PhD students and experts to explore how AI can help uncover links between climate change and pandemics. The event offers a week of interdisciplinary learning with partners including GFZ, …

New publication: "Artificial intelligence in public health: promises, challenges, and an agenda for policy makers and public health institutions"

28.02.2025 | A new paper in The Lancet Public Health, co-authored by ZKI-PH Director Katharina Ladewig, outlines key policy recommendations for the responsible use of AI in public health. The article addresses infrastructure needs, workforce development, cross-sector collaboration, ethical design, …

Irish Department of Health delegation visits ZIG and ZKI-PH

20.02.2025 | The RKI welcomed a high-level Irish delegation for an expert exchange on infectious disease research, health surveillance, and AI in public health. The visit included presentations on national health reporting, RKI’s global initiatives, and a tour of the Centre for International Health …