NWO Grant for EQUITY-consortium

Make heart health equitable

We are proud to announce the EQUITY-consortium (Enhancing Quality, Understanding, and Inclusion in Healthcare through socio-Technical AI sYstems) has received an NWO-KIC grant for the EQUITY-consortium. The consortium was established through the ELSA Lab AI for Health Equity network, which brings together academic and societal partners to develop responsible AI solutions for more equitable healthcare. 

By bringing together six Dutch academic institutions, co-funders, and societal partners, the EQUITY-consortium aims to overcome the paradox surrounding the risk of cardiovascular disease: individuals who are at higher risk due to their socioeconomic status are often the most difficult to reach with preventive care.  

The consortium addresses this health inequity by promoting inclusive healthcare through responsible AI innovation. It will research and develop an integrated, AI-supported pathway for cardiovascular disease prevention, early detection, and follow-up, specifically tailored to people with lower educational attainment and lower socioeconomic status. By embedding this pathway within neighborhoods, workplaces, and home environments, the consortium aims to improve access to preventive care, promote earlier diagnosis, and support equitable cardiovascular health outcomes for underserved populations. 

The Consortium 

Health inequalities are complex societal challenges that cannot be solved by technology alone. The EQUITY-consortium therefore applies an action-driven scientific approach, combining expertise from different disciplines and working closely with communities and healthcare stakeholders to develop AI systems that are effective, accessible, and tailored to people’s needs.