Health and medicine are fundamental building blocks of a sustainable society. Cancer is one of the greatest challenges for health experts worldwide and remains among the leading causes of death. To better understand cancer and develop new treatments, an interdisciplinary approach is essential. Digital pathology, operating at the intersection of medicine and technology, utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze large amounts of medical data quickly and accurately. The use of deep learning models in digital pathology has the potential to reduce the workload and time burden on doctors, minimize possible errors, and enhance the accuracy of cancer diagnostics.
The "DigiPath-CancerFight" project aims to introduce students from grades 8 to 11 from two schools in Graz (Academic Gymnasium & KLEX-Klusemann Extern) to the world of digital pathology and provide them with a deeper understanding of cancer (e.g., skin, lung, and colorectal cancer). As part of the EU “Cancer” mission, the project seeks to educate and raise awareness among young people, teachers, and the general public about cancer. In addition, students will actively participate in developing and testing algorithms for cancer diagnosis to gain hands-on experience in how AI functions based on their inputs. The overarching goal of the project is to spark enthusiasm for cancer research, equip students with technological skills, and empower them to engage actively yet critically in the fight against cancer using digital pathology tools.
Experienced mentors from the fields of pathology, biobanking, and computer science will guide the students. Through workshops, hands-on exercises, and joint activities, including an excursion to the Medical University of Graz, students will learn to work with digital pathology tools and analyze various datasets. Additionally, the project promotes a deeper understanding of the importance of cancer prevention and patient-centered care among students, their peers, parents, teachers, and society as a whole.
The kick-off events took place at the Medical University of Graz on December 18 & 19, 2024. During these sessions, the project classes and team members met, and participating students received an introduction to the fundamentals of pathology, covering topics such as:
Following this, participants visited the D&R Institute of Pathology and the Biobank facilities to gain practical insights into the routine activities of pathology and biobanking in cancer diagnosis and research. They were also introduced to slide scanners and their functions.
Afterwards, students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities by rotating through three practical stations where they conducted or observed essential laboratory work and experiments:
This initiative provides students with early exposure to the intersection of medicine, technology, and AI, fostering a new generation of digitally skilled individuals contributing to cancer research.
