The Digital Twin Theory

In this episode, we speak with Anshu Ankolekar, researcher at the MAASTRO Clinic in the Netherlands, where she works on AI applications in oncology, clinical decision support systems, patient-centered AI design, and healthcare regulation.We explore what it really means AI explainability for patients and clinicians, also touching topics like bringing AI into real-world care, the risk of added workload for clinicians, cognitive biases, and the important of the collaboration between developers, clinicians, and patient advocates.

A recurring theme that emerged during the production of The Digital Twin Theory is how to bring AI, modelling and simulation into everyday clinical practice.As these technologies mature, this will become one of the key challenges—and opportunities—in healthcare. But the issue is not new. How can modellers develop tools that are not only effective and efficient, but also truly integrated into clinical workflows?At its core, the challenge is communication—and it is far from trivial. Even the word “model” means different things: for clinicians, it often refers to something tangible, like an animal model; for engineers, it is something abstract, living inside a computer.Bridging this gap is essential. Involving clinicians early in the development of new technologies can make all the difference.That’s why we brought together biomedical engineer Morgane Garreau and physician Christian Kassasseya, who work closely together, to share how this collaboration works in practice.

In this episode of The Digital Twin Theory, Blanca Rodríguez (University of Oxford) explores sex differences in healthcare and the impact of bias in research and treatment. She explains how digital twins, AI, and computational models can enable sex-aware, personalised medicine, reshaping diagnosis, therapies, and the concept of the “average patient.”

Healthcare is about people as much as science. In this episode, we talk with Jude Dzevela Kong, Director of AIMMLab at the University of Toronto and Co-Director of ACADIC, about community-driven approaches to healthcare innovation.Jude explains how involving local communities and patients from problem definition to implementation leads to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. From empowering local communities to enabling global knowledge exchange, this conversation highlights why scientists must walk alongside communities to ensure healthcare truly leaves no one behind.

In the final episode of 2025, we sit down with Scott Delp, Professor of Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University, and Director of the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance and the RESTORE Center.We met Professor Delp at the iSi Health Conference in September 2025, where we recorded a wide-ranging and insightful conversation on the role of in silico medicine in human health and performance. Together, we explore how computational models and digital simulations can help prevent injuries, accelerate recovery, and enhance human performance—all while prioritising safety and clinical rigor.

In this episode of The Digital Twin Theory we dive into the policy side of in silico medicine and digital health. This summer, the European Commission released its report “Study on the Deployment of AI in Healthcare”, a key document shaping Europe’s approach to trustworthy and effective AI in clinical settings.To unpack its findings, Davide speaks with Lia Martina, Policy Officer in Digital Health at DG SANTE. Lia works on the European Health Data Space, cybersecurity, and AI deployment in healthcare, and brings unique insights from inside the Commission. Tune in to understand what this study means for scientists, clinicians, patients, and policymakers across Europe.Disclaimer: The content represented in this interview is the interviewee point of view and does not represent the European Commission's view

Interdisciplinary research is at the heart of in silico medicine, but collaborating across disciplines is easier said than done. In this episode, we welcome back Himanshu Kaul (University of Leicester) to discuss real challenges and practical strategies for making interdisciplinary teams work effectively.

In this episode of The Digital Twin Theory podcast we reached out to Prof. Geert Meyfroidt, head of the department of intensive care medicine at the University Hospital of Leuven to talk about AI applications in the Intensive Care Unit.Prof. Meyfroidt discusses the future of intensive care and in silico medicine, highlighting the need for AI systems that support, rather than replace, clinicians. Instead of chasing ever more complex models, he argues for actionable tools that act like a “GPS for doctors”, delivering the right data at the right time. Such systems could save precious clinical time, strengthen human interaction with patients, and bring expert care to places where it is most needed.

Our host, Davide Montesarchio, heads to Leuven, Belgium, where he sits down with Prof. Jan d’Hooge—Vice‑Rector for Research Policy at KU Leuven and leader of the Cardiovascular Imaging & Dynamics group.D’Hooge’s lab is turning everyday echocardiography into a predictive, precision tool. Together, Davide and Jan explore how computer modelling, simulations, and AI are redefining what a simple “echo” can reveal—and what that means for patients, clinicians, and the future of in silico medicine. Tune in for a journey where math meets muscle and pixels predict prognosis.

Computer models and Artificial Intelligence (AI) present a new and not fully understood set of opportunities and challenges. To navigate this complex landscape, we turned to a leading innovator in the field: Tina Morrison. With over 15 years of experience at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tina served as the Director of the Office of Regulatory Science and Innovation, leading the agency in the use of computer models in regulatory affairs.

In this episode, we talk to Eric Vibert — liver and transplant surgeon, professor at Paris-Saclay University and INSERM, and a trailblazer in surgical innovation.Operating since 2007 at the Paul Brousse Hospital, Prof. Vibert is reshaping the future of surgery through digital solutions. Alongside Nicolas Castoldi, he co-leads the Tier Lieu Campus BOPEX — an Experimental Operating Theatre where clinicians and developers co-create technologies to enhance surgical precision, safety, and outcomes. Join us for a conversation at the intersection of surgery and digital transformation.

In 2013, Sir Mark Walport, then Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK government, famously said, "Science is not finished until it is communicated." He urged climate change experts to make their work accessible to wider audiences — a message that rings even truer today, especially for the field of in silico medicine. As these technologies move closer to patients' lives, clear and effective communication will be essential to build trust and understanding.To celebrate one year of The Digital Twin Theory podcast, this special episode flips the script: host Davide Montesarchio becomes the guest, interviewed by our manager, Martina Contin, to explore why — and how — we must communicate in silico medicine to the world.

Let’s delve into the clinical applications of in silico medicine! Our guest for this episode is Dr. Elisa Rauseo, cardiologist and Clinical Research Fellow in Cardiovascular Digital Twins at the Queen Mary University of London. Together, we will discuss the applications of AI and machine learning in cardiology and also how ready medical doctors are to apply in silico tools in their practice.

Musculoskeletal applications are among the most advanced frontiers of in silico medicine. In our first episode of 2025, we sit down with a true pioneer in the field—Prof. Marco Viceconti.From the early days, when only a handful of visionaries foresaw a future where medicine was driven by data and computational models, to the present, Marco has been a driving force in this revolution.His contributions are remarkable: he founded and directed the Medical Technology Lab at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, established and led the Insigneo Institute for In Silico Medicine, and served as the first Executive Director of VPHi.Join us as we explore the evolution of in silico medicine through the insights of one of its most influential figures.

In silico medicine is transforming healthcare, and some of its most groundbreaking applications are happening in cardiology. In our final episode of 2024, we explore how this innovative technology is reshaping the future of heart health.Joining us is Mariano Vazquez, CTO and CSO of ELEM Biotech—a spinoff of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC)—where he also leads cutting-edge research.

In this episode, we will discuss about social implications and trust in in silico medicine with our guest Zita van Horenbeeck, social scientist at the Virtual Physiological Human Institute and PhD student at the Life Sciences and Society Lab of KU Leuven.

In silico medicine, as a breakthrough in technology and healthcare, carries a series of ethical issues, including managing personal health data, the technological divide, and the doctor-patient relationship.To explore this topic, we interviewed Michele Barbier, an independent ethics expert for the European Commission and EU project coordinator at INRIA working on digital twins. Her insights offer a closer look at this transformative field's challenges and promises.

Without data, in silico medicine wouldn't even be possible. In this episode we will explore how data, especially medical data, needs to be managed to make in silico medicine a reality.Our guest for this episode is Elisabetta Biasin, doctoral researcher at the Centre for IT and IP Law at KU Leuven.

Do you know how long it takes for a drug to reach the pharmacy?Drug development, testing, and approval take 10 to 15 years and cost millions of euros. Most of this time and money go into clinical trials, which are essential for proving the drug's safety and effectiveness.Clinical trials are crucial, but can we make this process faster, cheaper, and safer for both animals and humans? The short answer is yes. For the longer answer, we turn to the guest of this episode, Francesco Pappalardo, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Catania.

As an in silico medicine tool, Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising healthcare. When did it start? And how can AI contribute to improving and making doctors' work more efficient worldwide? We asked such questions to Leonardo Castorina, PhD student in Biomedical AI at the University of Edinburgh, specialising in AI-driven protein design and immune system research.Don't miss out on our animated video series, Code & Cure: Understanding in silico medicine. Here's the link to the third episode: https://youtu.be/xctWc8n7eC8

What is a computer model? How can we build one? How can they be used to improve healthcare? We asked all such questions to Himanshu Kaul, Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow and Principal Investigator at the Laboratory for Multiscale Emergent Bioengineering at the University of Leicester.Don't miss our animated video series Code & Cure: Understanding in silico medicine. Here's the link to the second episode of the series: https://youtu.be/gAeHWcKxDZI

In silico medicine is the future of healthcare. But what is it really? And what can it do for us? We interviewed Liesbet Geris, professor of Biomechanics and Computational Tissue Engineering at the University of Liege and KU Leuven. She’s also the executive director of the Virtual Physiological Human Institute.Don't miss our video series Code & Cure: Understanding in silico medicine. Here's the link to the first episode: https://youtu.be/5YjjzHlHsok