THESEUS research programme opens up new approaches to medical diagnostics
The programme of the 93rd German X-Ray Congress, which is being held in Hamburg, includes the latest developments in smart medical database searches from the scientists working on the "MEDICO" project. MEDICO is one of six projects of the Economics Ministry's THESEUS research programme.
Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, stated: "Information and communication technologies drive innovation and growth, and thus play a key role for the entire German economy. Germany is a world leader in the field of medical technology in particular, as the largest manufacturer after the U.S. and Japan. The MEDICO project is helping to safeguard and build on this leading role. For example, new technologies have been developed for improved diagnosis. They will enable us to offer therapies earlier and in a more targeted fashion, and will contribute to a higher quality of life."
Imaging processes like ultrasound, computer tomography or magnetic resonance tomography form the basis for medical diagnosis and therapy. They enable us to detect diseases at an early stage and to treat them appropriately. However, until now we have lacked the instruments to collate the existing information. MEDICO now paves the way for an entirely new level of quality in the field of clinical information systems.
With a total volume of approx. ¤200m, THESEUS is the largest programme run so far by the Federal Government in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). Half of the funding is provided by the Economics Ministry, and half by the relevant partners from industry and research.
THESEUS is anchored in the "Digital Germany 2015" ICT strategy, and forms part of the "Internet-based services for business" project of the Federal Government's High-Tech Strategy 2020.
