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In the Spotlight - Meet Elze Swinkels
At Women in AI, we like to inspire by showcasing female role models who are making a difference in AI. By celebrating their successes, we aim to empower women in the AI community, and motivate more girls and women to get into STEM-related fields. In our series In the Spotlight, we shine a light on experts in the field. Today, we’d like you to meet Elze Swinkels.
Author: Johanna Mvumbi.
Who is Elze?
Elze is a passionate engineer dedicated to bridging the gap between advanced technology and accessible healthcare. After earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in (Bio)Medical Engineering from the Technical University of Eindhoven, she embarked on an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) at the same institution. This two-year, design-oriented post-master’s program allows her to translate her academic expertise into impactful, real-world solutions.
Her academic journey has been marked by a keen interest in medical image analysis, cardiovascular biomechanics, computational biology, and clinical applications. Among these, she found a special connection with ultrasound technology. Its portability, affordability, and non-invasive nature resonated deeply with her vision of equitable healthcare, inspiring her to focus her skills on improving diagnostic access in underserved regions.
Pioneering AI-Driven Ultrasound for Tuberculosis Detection
Elze is currently working on a project that combines artificial intelligence with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to enhance tuberculosis (TB) detection. Through her role at Delft Imaging Systems, she is helping develop a mobile application that connects to handheld ultrasound probes, enabling offline detection of lung abnormalities.This innovative tool, powered by an AI model trained on African data, could potentially expand the reach of TB screening in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While ultrasound is unlikely to replace traditional diagnostic methods such as bacteriological tests or chest X-rays, it offers a promising way to address critical gaps in TB detection in areas where these methods often face limitations. By integrating POCUS with AI, Elze’s work is creating a portable, cost-effective, and radiation-free solution that can be used in resource-limited settings, even by less specialized personnel.
Advancing Global Healthcare Through Equitable Innovation
Elze’s work reflects a broader mission: leveraging cutting-edge technology to make quality healthcare accessible to all, regardless of location or resources. Her AI-driven POCUS tool has the potential to transform how TB, including pediatric TB, is detected and managed in LMICs, addressing one of the world’s most persistent health challenges.
By democratizing diagnostics and empowering primary health care with portable and easy-to-use tools, Elze is contributing to a future where healthcare is defined by inclusivity and innovation. Her vision, fueled by her technical expertise and commitment to global health equity, is setting a new standard for how engineering can impact the world.
Celebrate Women Shaping the Future of AI at the Women in AI Gala!
Join us on February 7th 2025 at ING Cedar in Amsterdam for the Women in AI Benelux Awards Gala. This event celebrates the incredible achievements of women driving innovation and diversity in AI across the Benelux region.
Come celebrate trailblazing women, enjoy networking opportunities, and be inspired by stories of impact and success in AI. This is your chance to connect with leaders shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Let’s honor the brilliance and resilience of women in AI together!
For more information, have a look at our Gala webpage.