2024 has started in the best way Helder Oliveira, is a professor at the Faculty of Science of the University of Porto (FCUP) and a researcher at the Institute of Systems, Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC). He is responsible for two major projects in the field of artificial intelligence which together represent an investment of more than 15 million euros. In common, it is applicable to the health field and motivates researchers who aspire to “contribute to a better world.”
It was announced at the beginning of January AI Phase 4 (Privacy Compliant Health Data as a Service for AI Development) It indicates development A tool to assist in preventive health care and clinical decision making. actually Ai4Lungs It is the first major health project led by INESC TEC and aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases.
Helder Oliveira was born in Porto and completed his entire academic career at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). He graduated in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2004), and also holds a Master's degree in Automation, Instrumentation and Control (2008) and a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2013).
In 2008, he joined INESC TEC, where he led a research group in the field of visual computing and machine intelligence. At FCUP, at the end of last year, he took up the position of assistant professor, after seven years as a guest professor.
At 43 years old, he combines research, teaching and reading books about the saga Harry Potter. At the same time as he creates “magic” using the power of artificial intelligence to improve medical imaging (and beyond), he revisits the world of Hogwarts, which he fell in love with through the films.
Regarding concerns about the future of artificial intelligence, he believes that the magic must be broken, because this field “can bring more benefits than harm.”
Helder Oliveira (left) leads the INESC TEC research group in the “field of visual computing and machine intelligence”. (Image: D.)
Natural? port
age? 43 years old
– What do you like most about the University of Porto?
Of students. It is a pleasure to share knowledge and talk to them on a daily basis.
– What do you like least about the University of Porto?
Bureaucracy… which is obviously not only a problem for universities, but in some cases it gets in the way.
– An idea to improve the University of Porto?
Following on from the previous question, speed up and simplify processes so that too much time is not wasted on unnecessary things. Take time for more important things.
-How do you prefer to spend your free time?
Sports, travel, playing games (video, board).
– Favorite book?
I read books Harry Potter. I never read it again (and fell in love with the saga through the films).
– Favorite album/musician?
Internationally, any Queen song. At the national level, Xutos and Pontapés.
– Favorite dish?
I can't say just one! Porto style tripas, portuguese soup, francisinha, picanha… better stop here… 🙂
– Favorite movie?
Any movie with Tom Hanks. Obviously epic Harry Potter.
-Dream trip?
I've had some amazing trips, including Australia, Argentina and Brazil.
I might be back on the other side of the world again, there was so much to see, I've only explored South Australia.
– Life purpose?
Contributing to a better world, in a socially responsible way, but also through the research I do.
– Inspiration?
During my studies I decided that I wanted to pursue an academic career. But during my PhD I felt that I developed myself as a researcher, and my supervisor Jaime Cardoso, also a professor at the University of Porto, contributed greatly to this. Every person is different, and each of us certainly puts our own personal stamp on all the activities we participate in, but with him I learned to be a better researcher, and to be an inspiration for who I am today, and I am very proud to be that. Guided by it.
– Your life project…
The biggest project in life is my family, especially the two “kids” I have at home 😉
On a professional level, especially in the field of research, I have had many projects in the past, I have many assets at present, and I will certainly have many more in the future. For this reason, there is no single specific life project, but rather a continuous cycle of searching for new challenges.
– What are the main challenges that artificial intelligence will bring to society in the near future?
Recently, Artificial Intelligence has achieved unique fame with recent developments, creating an impact on society that has never been seen before. One of the main challenges is the widespread acceptance that artificial intelligence can bring more benefits than harm.
A large portion of society is still afraid to use it. This will also have a profound impact across academia, particularly in teaching activities, where AI can bring significant benefits to educational systems, but to achieve this we will have to make some adjustments to the way we teach.
