As research produces growing amounts of data, scientists can only gain new insights by systematically connecting and analyzing it. Advanced data science and AI techniques play a crucial role in uncovering these correlations. However, reliable application of these methods in biotechnology and medicine requires in-depth specialist knowledge. This is precisely where the future strength of Fraunhofer IZI-BB lies: the institute aims to combine data science with its long-standing expertise in bioanalytics and biotechnology. This technical understanding forms the basis for the targeted development of AI methods, their scientific validation and their translation into practical application.

»I am delighted that Professor Max Pfeffer is bringing his expertise to our institute,« said Professor Dr. Antje Baeumner, Director of Fraunhofer IZI-BB. »At the intersection of biotechnology and data science, I see tremendous potential to develop innovative solutions and unlock new applications.«

This opens up new opportunities for collaboration with companies in the medical engineering, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical sectors, including the AI-supported analysis of diagnostic data. For Dr. Pfeffer, the appointment also holds personal significance. As a native of the region, he aims to help drive the digital transformation of healthcare and further strengthen Brandenburg’s position as a hub for digital health.

Treasure Trove of Project Data

At Fraunhofer IZI-BB, Prof. Max Pfeffer will integrate data science into the institute’s future research projects. The goal is to systematically utilize existing data and make it available for new scientific questions as well as joint development projects. »Without good data, many machine learning methods remain piecemeal. We have an enormous treasure trove of data here that we want to harness for data science so that it yields reliable insights and applicable solutions,« said Prof. Pfeffer.

He is building on the institute’s existing activities, such as in the field of digital diagnostics and data-driven health applications within the Fraunhofer ZDD^® framework. These include, for example, AI-supported analyses of diagnostic data, digital platforms to support medical decision-making, and data-driven models that enable more reliable predictions of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of new active ingredients.

Explainable AI for Medicine 

As a professor at the University of Potsdam’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Dr. Max Pfeffer contributes expertise in applied mathematics, modelling and optimisation. His research addresses challenges in diagnostics, biotechnology and healthcare, with a particular focus on explainable artificial intelligence.

Pfeffer investigates intrinsically interpretable AI approaches, in which transparency is embedded in a model’s design from the outset. This is especially important in medical applications, where the interpretation of diagnostic data and AI-supported decision-making must remain comprehensible. Transparent methods can also offer important advantages in regulatory evaluation and approval processes.

»I’m not interested in AI as a black box. Especially in medicine, we need to be able to understand why a model arrives at a specific result. For me, that’s a key factor in building trust in digital applications in the healthcare sector,« explains Prof. Pfeffer.

Digital Health for Brandenburg

Alongside his research, Professor Max Pfeffer is actively involved in the Brandenburg Digital Health Network. He is working to strengthen collaboration between academia, healthcare providers and industry, enabling more effective use of data and accelerating the development of new digital health solutions. He sees Brandenburg as particularly well placed to pilot innovative digital health applications at an early stage, especially in rural areas, and translate them into routine healthcare provision.

About Fraunhofer IZI-BB

The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses IZI-BB in Potsdam, develops biotechnological solutions for human, animal, and environmental health. The institute combines bioanalytics, biotechnology, and data science into integrated platform technologies for diagnostics, drug development, and applications in food and environmental analysis. Working closely with industry, scientific institutions and clinical partners, the institute delivers robust, sustainable and regulatory-compliant solutions and supports their transfer into real-world application.