Data4Life Appoints Dr. Ben Illigens as CEO
Data4Life, a noteworthy nonprofit organization in the health tech sector, has recently made headlines by announcing Dr. Ben Illigens as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This appointment comes from the Hasso Plattner Foundation, which has been instrumental in supporting Data4Life since its establishment. Dr. Illigens takes over from Christian Weiss, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization since 2017 and will continue to provide guidance in an advisory capacity.
A Vision for Health Data
Dr. Illigens brings over 15 years of diverse experience at the convergence of clinical research, global health initiatives, and digital transformation. His areas of expertise span neurology, oncology, and digital health strategies, positioning him well to guide Data4Life in leveraging health data effectively to promote precision medicine and public health initiatives. Reflecting on his vision, Dr. Illigens stated, "Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are fundamentally transforming health research and care. They hold enormous promise but also raise important questions of ethics, equity, and bias." With this in mind, he aims to strengthen Data4Life as a connector between clinical research and practical applications, ensuring innovations are implemented responsibly.
Continued Legacy of Leadership
The outgoing CEO, Christian Weiss, has made significant strides in establishing Data4Life within the digital health landscape. His leadership has fostered essential collaborations with prominent institutions, including Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and the Hasso Plattner Institute, aiding in the translation of research into actionable clinical practices. Dr. Rouven Westphal, a board member at the Hasso Plattner Foundation, expressed gratitude for Weiss’s contributions and highlighted the importance of Dr. Illigens's appointment as a strategic move for the organization's future.
Goals and Strategic Focus
Data4Life is poised for growth with ambitious goals that prioritize making health research more inclusive and transparent. Key priorities under Dr. Illigens include:
- - Expanding Data2Evidence: This open-source platform aims to empower researchers and promote accessibility in health data.
- - Advancing D4L Collect: The initiative focuses on creating standardized systems for gathering wearable data, Clinical Outcome Assessments (COAs), and Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs).
- - Contributing to the OHDSI community: By promoting open standards and tools for global scientific collaboration, Data4Life reaffirms its commitment to the advancement of health research.
About Data4Life
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Potsdam, Germany, Data4Life operates as a nonprofit organization focused on making health data accessible for research in public health and precision medicine. Backed entirely by the Hasso Plattner Foundation, Data4Life's mission centers on improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes through responsible data integration. For more information about their initiatives, visit
www.data4life.care.
About the Hasso Plattner Foundation
Established in 2015 in Potsdam, the Hasso Plattner Foundation is dedicated to promoting science, education, social responsibility, and cultural projects. Their support of Data4Life highlights a commitment to health and wellness through innovative technology-driven strategies. To learn more about the foundation's endeavors, please visit
www.plattnerfoundation.org/en/.