The SmartCHANGE project has received six million euros in funding from the European Union for a four-year study on the use of artificial intelligence in monitoring long-term health data. Jamk University of Applied Sciences' share of the research project's funding is EUR 422,000.
The research project will develop a predictive model for how to predict the health risk of adulthood based on childhood health habits, and how data can influence the change towards healthier lifestyles. The forecasting model is based especially on the utilisation of measurement data on physical activity and physical condition.
The role of Jamk's Likes is particularly related to the production of health data for the forecast model and the development and testing of the application in the school and healthcare environment. The use of the application and its effectiveness are studied in Finland among children and young people of primary school age. Children, guardians, teachers and health care professionals are invited to participate in the co-creation.
"Artificial intelligence is used in the preparation of the model and longitudinal data from extensive health studies in different countries are utilised. The project will develop applications for healthcare professionals and citizens that support behavioural change towards healthier habits', says lead researcher Tuija Tammelin from Likes, Jamk University of Applied Sciences.
Jamk is the only Finnish operator involved in the SmartCHANGE Horizon project. Horizon Europe is the EU's biggest ever investment in research and innovation in Europe.
"This is a great opportunity to be involved in a very wide-ranging and high-quality research project. The project is a testament to the strong expertise of Likes' researchers and the long-term and fruitful network cooperation. The SmartCHANGE project produces new research data and effective solutions for monitoring and preventing health risks. The results can be utilised in education, research and health care," says Kare Norvapalo, RDI head of department Jamk's School of Health and Social Studies.
The AI-based long-term health risk evaluation for driving behaviour change strategies in children and youth (SmartCHANGE) project aims to support the change in children's and young people's behaviour towards healthier habits.
The project is coordinated by the Jozef Stefan Institute, slovenia's leading scientific research center. The SmartCHANGE study involves health and technology experts from eight countries and from 12 different organisations.
