The Hasso Plattner Foundation has appointed Dr. Ben Illigens as the new chief executive officer of Data4Life, a non-profit health technology organization based in Potsdam, Germany. Dr. Illigens will succeed Christian Weiss, who has led the organization since 2017. Weiss will continue to support Data4Life in a consulting capacity.
Dr. Illigens has a strong background in clinical research, digital transformation, and global health initiatives, with over 15 years of experience in neurology, oncology, and digital health strategies. He plans to focus on using health data to improve precision medicine and public health.
Dr. Illigens stated that he sees significant opportunities in using digital technologies and artificial intelligence to improve health research and care. He also emphasized the importance of addressing ethical considerations and ensuring equitable access to these advancements. His goal is to establish Data4Life as a key player in bridging the gap between clinical research, technology, and practical application.
A member of the Hasso Plattner Foundation’s Executive Board, Dr. Rouven Westphal, expressed gratitude for Weiss’s contributions in building and establishing Data4Life within the digital health sector. Westphal believes Dr. Illigens’ appointment will allow Data4Life to continue its growth and expand its international presence.
Data4Life is focused on improving the efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness of health research. Key initiatives include expanding the Data2Evidence open-source platform, enhancing the D4L Collect system for standardized data collection, and actively contributing to the OHDSI community to promote open standards for global scientific collaboration.
Since its founding in 2017, Data4Life has partnered with leading institutions, including Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam, to accelerate the application of research findings in clinical practice. The organization is funded solely by the Hasso Plattner Foundation. Data4Life’s mission is to make health data readily available for research in public health and precision medicine to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Hasso Plattner Foundation, founded in 2015 by Hasso Plattner, is a non-profit organization supporting various initiatives in science, education, social welfare, environmental protection, and the arts. The foundation’s activities span several areas, including supporting educational institutions and cultural organizations in Potsdam and undertaking projects in Africa.
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