World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the Digital Ethics Centre of the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands as a WHO Collaborating Centre for health governance of artificial intelligence (AI). This acknowledgment shows the leadership in ethical AI and responsible innovation of the Centre and WHO’s drive to enable equitable, secure, and ethical applications of AI in healthcare
Developing AI Governance for Healthcare
AI has the ability to transform medicine and healthcare by enhancing patient outcomes, increasing diagnostic correctness, and reducing medical procedures. A big challenge, though, is guaranteeing ethical and responsible use of AI. The collaboration between WHO and the Digital Ethics Centre is aimed at creating robust governance models that maintain high ethical standards while achieving the full benefits of AI for universal health.
A Collaborative Effort for Ethical AI in Medicine
This appointment further WHO’s long history of collaboration with the Digital Ethics Centre, which has been instrumental in facilitating international discourse, workshops, and training sessions on AI governance. Well-equipped to embed ethical considerations into AI research and development, the Centre is a world leader in responsible AI innovation.
Dr. Alain Labrique, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, highlighted the value of ethical adoption of AI, saying:
“We are seeing remarkable progress, with AI having the potential to revolutionize healthcare systems and assist individuals in their health journeys. Firm academic and technical partnerships guarantee these advantages reach everyone in an equitable, secure, and ethical way.”
The Collaborating Centre will focus on key AI governance research, providing expert guidance for WHO policy development. It will also serve as an educational hub, offering training and knowledge-sharing opportunities for policymakers and healthcare professionals to effectively implement WHO’s AI guidelines at national and regional levels.
Strengthening AI’s Role in Public Health
Professor Jeroen van den Hoven, Director of Scientific Research at the Delft Digital Ethics Centre, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to ethical applications of AI. Since more than two decades of digital ethics and responsible innovation research, the Centre has been at the forefront of operationalizing ethical values into practical design principles for AI and digital technology.
Moreover, the Responsible and Ethical AI for Healthcare Lab—a joint initiative between Delft University and its research partners—will also gain insights into the effective integration of WHO’s guidelines on AI in clinical practice.
Dr. David Novillo-Ortiz, WHO Regional Adviser and Unit Head for Data, Evidence, and Digital Health, Regional Office for Europe, said:
“The recognition of Delft University’s Digital Ethics Centre as a WHO Collaborating Centre further reinforces our joint commitment to AI being used fairly and responsibly for the betterment of public health. This partnership will be vital in assisting countries in harnessing the benefits and challenges of AI while building trust, transparency, and innovation in digital health.”
A Commitment to Ethical AI in Healthcare
With AI increasingly involved in healthcare globally, this initiative serves to highlight the importance of robust ethical governance. WHO’s partnership with the Digital Ethics Centre ensures its commitment to evidence-based governance of AI so that AI is a force for good and supports the highest possible ethical standards. In this partnership, WHO and Delft University will seek to protect public health and support responsible AI innovation.
