In 2025, DASH advanced AI readiness among students and professionals. In line with the European AI Act, DASH developed a UMCG-wide vision on AI and digital literacy and integrated data science and AI into bachelor, master, and postgraduate programmes.
Embedding digital health and AI in education programmes
During the 2024–2025 academic year, digital health education was successfully integrated across medicine, dentistry, master’s, research master’s, and PhD programmes. Approximately 400 first-year medical students were introduced to generative AI within evidence-based medicine, attended a 'Doctor and AI' lecture (covering fundamentals and ELSA aspects), and engaged with the AI+ Hospital module and an eHealth lecture and assignment. Third-year students received an introduction to machine learning in clinical decision-making.
At master’s level, 30 students participated in the AI+ Hospital game and workshop on Large Language Models (LLM), while 15 research master’s students followed a new health data science course alongside LLM training. Digital health and AI competencies were also embedded in the first-year dentistry curriculum (44 students). At PhD level, hands-on sessions and LLM workshops reached around 100 participants. In 2025, several supporting e-learning modules were developed, including content on AI in healthcare, the AI+ Hospital module, and guidance on generative AI use, with an eHealth module in progress.
Expanding AI training
Beyond formal education programmes, DASH also expanded AI training through several initiatives. During the Exquairo bootcamp, a six-week programme for clinician-scientists and biomedical researchers, training was provided in AI for medical imaging and responsible AI. The summer school focused on synthetic data, data cleaning, and responsible AI. Participation in the eHealth course ‘Technology in Healthcare: eHealth from Concept to Care’ doubled compared to 2024.
Engaging younger audiences
DASH also contributed to science outreach and early engagement with technology. At the Zpannend Zernike science festival in Groningen, children and families explored science in an interactive setting. In addition, the Science Truck programme 'Your Technology of Tomorrow' introduced primary school pupils in the Netherlands and Germany to AI and machine learning, making emerging technologies accessible from an early age.
Societal application and collaboration
Digital health education was further strengthened through teaching and workshops for students, professionals, and patients. Activities included guest lectures, courses, and workshops on innovation management and eHealth implementation. Beyond academia, DASH engaged patient organisations and communities through hands-on workshops on digital healthcare tools such as telemonitoring and health apps, including Public Health Internship activities in community centres. Collaboration with Noorderpoort College further supported community-based digital assistance and interdisciplinary student collaboration.
AI+ hospital serious game
A key educational innovation is the AI+ Hospital serious game, developed in collaboration with 8D Games. The game is used in workshops with students and healthcare professionals to stimulate discussion on the ethical and practical use of AI in hospital settings. One of these sessions took place during the SURF Education Days 2025, contributing to dialogue on the role of AI in healthcare education and practice.
It is rewarding to help people understand AI’s potential in healthcare and discuss how technology can improve care.
Key highlights:
Integration of digital health across medicine, dentistry, master’s, research master’s, and PhD programmes
Over 400 first-year medical students trained in AI and digital health
Around 100 PhD participants in AI and LLM workshops
Doubled participation in the eHealth course
ExquAIro bootcamp and summer school focused on AI and responsible AI
Strong outreach through Zpannend Zernike and the Science Truck programme
Expanded collaboration with educational and community partners
Education in 2025
ExquAIro Bootcamp: AI in Medical Imaging
20 January
Lectures on AI in Medical Imaging & Responsible AI
Status of AI in Radiological Image Analysis
30 January
Keynote by Rozemarijn Vliegenthart for Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Research Day UMCG
Responsible AI Lecture
31 January
By Mirjam Plantinga for oncology nurses at UMCG
Innovation Management Training
7 March
Training for medical specialists by Esther Metting
AI in (Medical) Research: Hype, Harm or Hallelujah
27 March
Lecture by Peter van Ooijen at UMCG
Training Innovation & Change Management
14 May
Training by Esther Metting for healthcare professionals
Research Tools Workshop Pilot #1
3 June
Research Tools Workshop Pilot #2
10 June
Summer School Data Science and AI in Healthcare, Groningen
30 June - 3 July
Summer School Data Science and AI in Healthcare, Heidelberg
11 - 15 August
JSM: Technology in Healthcare: eHealth from Concept to Care
1 October
Zpannend Zernike
4 October
Introducing children to AI. Because what exactly is it and what can it do? Workshop using Google Teachable Machine & a Q&A game.
Research Tools Workshop
27 October
Extra edition during ExquAIro Bootcamp
JSM: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
JSM: Introduction to Machine Learning in Medicine
Research Tools Workshop
3 December
Extra edition during Master course Health Data Science
AI in UMCG Symposium
18 December
Contributions from Michiel Hooiveld, Job Doornberg and others, hosted by Bart Scheerder. An event exploring the integrated AI landscape at the UMCG. Not a series of isolated initiatives, but a single, continuous journey from idea to impact.
