WHO Appoints Delft University’s Digital Ethics Center as AI Collaborating Center for Health Governance

As a Collaborating Centre, the Delft Digital Ethics Centre will lead AI governance research, provide expert input for WHO’s policy development, and facilitate knowledge-sharing and training programs for global healthcare stakeholders.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, as a WHO Collaborating Centre on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Health Governance.

This recognition underscores the center’s expertise in ensuring that AI-driven healthcare technologies are developed and implemented with strong ethical safeguards.

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare by enhancing patient outcomes, improving diagnostics, and increasing access to medical services.

However, the responsible and equitable use of AI requires robust governance, ethical oversight, and evidence-based policies. The WHO Collaborating Centre at Delft will play a vital role in ensuring that AI serves public health safely and effectively.

Strengthening Global Collaboration

The Digital Ethics Centre has a two-decade history of research in digital ethics and responsible innovation. It has previously collaborated with WHO on international consultations, workshops, and policy development.

The new designation formalizes this partnership and enables both institutions to work more closely in shaping ethical AI governance.

Dr Alain Labrique, Director of Digital Health and Innovation at WHO, highlighted the significance of strong partnerships in managing the rapid evolution of AI.

He noted that AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, but global collaboration is essential to maximize its benefits while minimizing risks. He emphasized that ensuring ethical, safe, and equitable AI applications requires guidance from academic and technical experts.

As a WHO Collaborating Centre, the Delft Digital Ethics Centre will lead research on AI governance, provide expert input for WHO’s policy development, and facilitate knowledge-sharing and training programs for global healthcare stakeholders.

The center’s expertise will be crucial in ensuring that AI technologies are developed with ethical considerations from the outset and aligned with public health priorities.

Professor Jeroen van den Hoven, Scientific Director at the Delft Digital Ethics Centre, noted that the center has been a leader in translating ethical principles into practical AI design requirements.

He emphasized that responsible innovation is critical in ensuring AI’s long-term success in healthcare.

The Responsible and Ethical AI for Healthcare Lab, a collaboration between Delft University of Technology and its partners, will contribute to understanding the real-world challenges of implementing WHO’s AI guidance in clinical practice.

The lab will support efforts to integrate ethical considerations into AI-driven healthcare solutions, ensuring they are both scientifically sound and socially responsible.

Dr David Novillo-Ortiz, Regional Adviser and Unit Head for Data, Evidence, and Digital Health at WHO Europe, highlighted the impact of this collaboration.

He stated that the designation of the Delft Digital Ethics Centre as a WHO Collaborating Centre would enhance global efforts to ensure that AI serves public health equitably and responsibly.

He further stressed that fostering trust, transparency, and innovation in digital health is essential for the success of AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.