Why is our research important?

Digestive system diseases like Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer, are affecting a large population across the world. Among them is the colorectal cancer the second most common cause of cancer death across Europe. In Norway, and around 4200 new cases of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease are detected every year in Norway which leads to annual deaths of 1500 patients, which is significantly higher than in many most other European countries. Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is increasing especially in Norway and other western countries. In this context, Norway has shown certain strengths, for instance, the country is in a good position to play a leading role when it comes to connecting general knowledge on Artificial Intelligence (AI) with societal challenges and domain knowledge. The International Network for Capsule Imaging in Endoscopy (CapsNetwork) aims at creating the conditions for the emergence of a new generation of researchers and specialists that can contribute in turning Norway into a world leader in AI applied image-based diagnosis. For that purpose, collaboration with international institutions at the forefront of AI basic research is a must.