The project, titled ‘Collaborative Intelligence: Physician-AI Collaborations for Oncological Treatment Planning and Monitoring’, focuses on developing effective cooperation between physicians and AI within oncology. AI systems are already capable of rapidly and accurately detecting, delineating, and monitoring tumours based on medical scans, yet in daily practice this technology remains underutilised. This is notable given that radiologists face high workloads, staff shortages, and an elevated risk of burnout. Tasks such as preparing radiation treatment plans are essential, but also repetitive and mentally demanding.

The project places particular emphasis on human-AI interaction: ensuring that technology genuinely supports physicians rather than creating additional work or uncertainty. A central aim is the design of applications that fit seamlessly into the daily workflows of hospitals. Professor Somaya Ben Allouch and associate professor Bin Yu of the Digital Life research group lead the project from the HvA side. The University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the ELSA Lab Health Inequity are also project partners.

The consortium is among 31 research teams selected for funding within the ZonMw Open Competition, which is known for its high level of competitiveness. The total budget of the competition amounts to more than 26 million euros. The ultimate aim of the research is to establish a form of human-AI collaboration that enables faster, safer, and more reliable decision-making, contributing to better care for cancer patients.