skip breadcrumb navigation to main content

Focus areas

A researcher interacts with a robot — © Bielefeld Universität / Patrick Pollmeier

AI*IM: Interactive Inclusive AI for People with Cognitive Disabilities

AI*IM (Artificial Intelligence*Inclusive Medicine) brings together scientists from nine faculties with a common goal: to sustainably improve the health, participation and self-determination of people with cognitive impairments through inclusive assistance technology and artificial intelligence. The focus area combines medical expertise with cutting-edge technological research and social responsibility. Researchers from the fields of medicine, technology, linguistics & literary studies, health sciences, educational science, psychology, philosophy and sociology work closely with self-advocacy groups of people with cognitive impairments. In this way, AI*IM creates a unique research environment in which technological innovation and social inclusion go hand in hand.

Easy Language

You can find an explanation of AI*IM in Easy Language here.

eine gruppe von teilnehmenden fotografiert von oben und in die kamera schauend — © Universität Bielefeld/ Sarah Jonek

Spotlight

The working group AI*IM Consent of the focus area will meet at the ZiF in spring 2026 on the topic of „Die Ambivalenz der Autonomie und ihre Auflösung durch die Assistierte Autonomie (A*5)“"!

The aim is to bring together international researchers from philosophy, medical ethics, computer science, sociology, psychology and health sciences as well as experts from their own experience to discuss the ethical tensions between self-determination and the need for support in medical decisions as well as new ways of assisted autonomy.

In three workshops, guidelines, research impulses and participatory formats will be developed to promote the inclusive use of AI assistance systems and strengthen the interdisciplinary profile and networking of AI*IM.

Here you can download a summary of the planned Focus Group A*5 with further information!

Prof Dr Tanja Sappok at Antenne Bethel

On 3 December, AI*IM spokesperson Prof. Dr Tanja Sappok had the opportunity to talk to local radio station Antenne Bethel about her work at Mara Hospital and the general work with people with disabilities in the medical sector, a core topic of AI*IM.

In the interview, Prof Sappok emphasised that the focus of her medical work is not on treating the disability at hand, but on the illness of the person concerned. The aim is to "turn sick people with disabilities into healthy people with disabilities". According to Prof Sappok, around one in three people with cognitive disabilities will also suffer from a mental illness in the course of their lives and "99%" have an average of 10 physical illnesses. For this reason, Mara Hospital works with a well-trained network of different professional groups and specialists to provide the most effective treatment possible for those affected. Specialised approaches such as a higher degree of involvement of the living environment and caregivers are implemented here.

However, it is clear to Prof Sappok that this should not be a concern of "special treatment". After all, people with disabilities usually have the same needs and treatment principles as people without disabilities and, due to the fact that the number of people with disabilities in our society is so high, they should be given the opportunity to receive standard treatment that caters to their needs and requirements. The aim of Mara Hospital and AI*IM is therefore not only to make progress in medical treatment but also to overcome social and societal barriers in the long term.

If you would like to listen to Prof Sappok's interview with Antenne Bethel in full, you can do so here!