In his work, Max Gutbrod dealt with the optimisation of AI-supported procedures for determining the tumour grade in cancer cases. If a tissue sample is taken when cancer is suspected, a so-called ‘grading’ is carried out in the event of a cancer diagnosis. This digital pathology is used to assess the severity of the tumour. A central focus of his research is the AI-supported recognition of mitotic cells that are in the process of cell division. These cells provide important information on the aggressiveness of a tumour. However, differences in the preparation of tissue samples or in the camera technology used can affect the accuracy of the AI systems, especially if the samples come from different hospitals.
To improve the reliability of the results, Max Gutbrod developed two new assessment methods for tissue samples and a robust training procedure for AI systems. This method makes the AI less sensitive to variations in the tissue data and provides more reliable results. Thanks to its innovations, the detection of mitoses on samples from different sources has been significantly improved. ‘The training procedure for AI is not only applicable in medicine, but can also be transferred to other areas,’ explains Gutbrod, whose work is groundbreaking both in science and in practice.
After completing his bachelor's degree in computer science in Amberg, where Gutbrod specialised in medical computer science, he worked for a successful software company for over a decade. In 2021, he began a part-time Master's degree in Computer Science at OTH Regensburg, which he completed in 2024 with top marks. His master's thesis on improving the generalisation capability of AIs in medical image processing was awarded a grade of 1.0. He has been a research assistant at OTH Regensburg since 2024 and is working on his doctorate to advance the further development of medical AIs.
Bayernwerk AG awarded the Bavarian Culture Prize in Munich for the 20th time this year. A special focus of the award is on science. In the category of the same name, the Bavarian Culture Prize went to 33 graduates from Bavarian colleges and universities. They were each nominated by their universities for outstanding theses. Bayernwerk CEO Dr Egon Leo Westphal emphasised the importance of science as the basis for innovation and social progress, while Minister of State Markus Blume praised the close connection between science and art as well as the courage and ideas of the young talents. The prize recognises their important impetus for the future and the role of universities as talent incubators.
The prize was awarded in co-operation with the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts and presented by Minister of State Markus Blume.
