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Professor Andre Altmann
Name:
Andre Altmann
Job title:
Professor of Biomedical Data Science and AI
Place of work / study:
University College London
Area of Research:
Analyzing imaging and genetic data using statistics and AI to better understand disease onset and progression
How is your work funded:
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Bright Focus Foundation
Tell us a little about yourself:
After studying Computer Science with a focus on Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing, I wanted to apply my knowledge to tackle biological problems, which led me to a PhD in Computational Biology. I was lucky to join a great interdisciplinary project where computer scientists worked alongside clinicians and virologists to improve health outcomes and treatment options for patients. During my two postdoctoral positions I learned more about human genetics, neuroimaging and brain disorders. My goal is to understand the molecular biology behind these disorders; what changes their risk of development and, once the disease has started, how it progresses in the patient. Hopefully, down the road such an understanding may result in new drug candidates and targeted interventions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I like great music and trying new foods
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
Until I started my second post-doc, I did not have any experience with dementia. But the projects and questions emerging are so interesting that I never wanted to change directions.
What single piece of advise would you give to an early-career researcher?
Ask ‘stupid’ questions and challenge the ‘status quo’ to uncover the hidden assumptions.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Too many books really. Currently, the “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series has me hooked. Highly recommend it!
Favourite film of all time?
The Big Lebowski
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Reading
What’s the best decision you ever made?
To never stop learning
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Greece, really anywhere.
Do you collect anything?
Regrets
Can we find you on social media?
Find Andre on LinkedIn
Follow @CombineLab on X
Follow the CombineLab on Bluesky
Adam Smith
