Ashkan Pirmani

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Hi there! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼

I love turning data into stories that matter, especially in fields where sensitive information demands thoughtful handling and innovative solutions. Iā€™m driven by the challenge of making data useful while navigating the ethical, legal, and practical complexities of working with it.

Most recently, I completed a double PhD in Belgium šŸ‡§šŸ‡Ŗ at KU Leuven and Hasselt University, where I worked on making real-world data (RWD) more accessible and actionable to derive meaningful insights from it.

But let me tell you, working with data isnā€™t as straightforward as it sounds. It often feels like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle, but this isnā€™t your typical puzzle. Imagine the pieces are scattered across different locations, some of them locked away in drawers labeled ā€œprivateā€, and others so rare they might as well be one-of-a-kind. Now, add a rule: youā€™re not allowed to move any pieces from their original location. Thatā€™s what working with data in fields like rare diseases or low-prevalence conditions feels like. Every single piece matters, but putting them together is far from simple.

Youā€™d think the solution would be straightforward: gather all the data into one place and get to work.

But in reality, centralizing data is often out of the question. Privacy concerns, ethical dilemmas, data ownership rules, and layers of administrative hurdles stand in the way. Itā€™s like trying to build the puzzle while someone keeps reminding you, ā€œYou canā€™t touch the piecesā€.

So, how do we solve this? Thatā€™s where Federated Learning (FL) comes in.

Think of FL as a way to build the puzzle together, but with a twist: everyone works on their pieces separately, sharing just enough hints to complete the bigger picture. With FL, machine learning (ML) models can be trained on decentralized data without ever moving the data itself. Collaborating while keeping whatā€™s personal safe and secure. This approach doesnā€™t just safeguard privacy; it opens doors. Organizations can work together without worrying about sensitive information leaving their walls, unlocking insights that were once impossible to achieve. My research focused on designing and implementing FL techniques to tackle exactly these kinds of challenges, bringing together innovation and practicality to make this futuristic idea a reality.

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Why I Do What I Do šŸ‘ØšŸ»ā€šŸ’»

The world is full of complex problems, and I believe the best solutions come from collaboration. But collaboration isnā€™t always easy, especially when sensitive data is involved. Thatā€™s why I love combining technical innovation with practical problem-solving to create tools that make working together possibleā€”even when the odds are stacked against us. Whether itā€™s improving global data-sharing pipelines or designing tools for personalized predictions, I focus on creating solutions that are inclusive, accessible, and meaningful.

Here are some highlights of my work (check out more details on the projects page):

  • Built a federated, research-agnostic data analysis pipeline for the Global Data Sharing Initiative on COVID-19 and MS, contributing to one of the most comprehensive datasets for these conditions. šŸŒšŸ“Š
  • Developed a new federated learning approach that enabled ML models to adapt to local datasets, significantly improving predictions like disability progression in MS. šŸš€
  • Introduced the concept of a ā€œdegree of federationā€, offering organizations a flexible way to balance privacy, practicality, and collaboration. šŸŽÆ
  • Created FL4E (Federated Learning For Everyone), a framework bridging centralized and decentralized data analysis for real-world applications. šŸ”šŸŒ
  • Pioneered a study that predicted disability progression in MS for over 26,000 patients, using one of the largest routine clinical datasets availableā€”all while keeping data secure. šŸ§ āœØ

Letā€™s Connect! šŸŒŸ

Iā€™m always excited to collaborate with people who share my passion for turning data into insights that make a difference. If youā€™re working on something where real-world data and AI/ML could play a roleā€”whether itā€™s in healthcare, finance, or beyondā€”Iā€™d love to chat and explore ways we can team up to create meaningful impact. šŸ˜Š

news

Nov 29, 2024 šŸŽ“ DrĀ² (Doctor Squared) ā€“ Yes, you heard it right! Click on me for more detailed info! šŸ’”
Sep 18, 2024

šŸ§  ECTRIMS 2024

  • šŸ—“ļø When: September 2024
  • šŸ“ Where: Copenhagen, Denmark šŸ‡©šŸ‡°
  • šŸŽ¤ What: Presented an abstract and poster titled:
    ā€œTransforming Multiple Sclerosis Research: Advancing Disability Progression Insights through Practical and Precise Federated Learning using Real-World Dataā€ šŸ©ŗšŸ“Š
  • šŸ’” Focus: Showcased the potential of federated learning for advancing insights into disability progression in Multiple Sclerosis using Real-World Data.
Aug 20, 2024

šŸ’” MIE 2024

  • šŸ—“ļø When: August 2024
  • šŸ“ Where: Athens, Greece šŸ‡¬šŸ‡·
  • šŸŽ¤ What: Presented a paper titled:
    ā€œUnlocking the Power of Real-World Data: A Framework for Sustainable Healthcareā€ šŸ„šŸŒ
  • šŸ’” Focus: Proposed a practical framework to leverage Real-World Data for achieving sustainable healthcare systems and driving impactful insights.

selected publications

  1. Federated Learning
    Accessible ecosystem for clinical research (federated learning for everyone): development and usability study
    Ashkan Pirmani,Ā Martijn Oldenhof,Ā Liesbet M Peeters, and 2 more authors
    JMIR Formative Research, 2024
  2. GDSI
    The Journey of Data Within a Global Data Sharing Initiative: A Federated 3-Layer Data Analysis Pipeline to Scale Up Multiple Sclerosis Research
    Ashkan Pirmani,Ā Edward De Brouwer,Ā Lotte Geys, and 4 more authors
    JMIR Medical Informatics, 2023
  3. GDSI
    Updated results of the COVID-19 in MS global data sharing initiative: anti-CD20 and other risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity
    Steve Simpson-Yap,Ā Ashkan Pirmani,Ā Tomas Kalincik, and 8 more authors
    Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, 2022
  4. GDSI
    Associations of disease-modifying therapies with COVID-19 severity in multiple sclerosis
    Steve Simpson-Yap,Ā Edward De Brouwer,Ā Tomas Kalincik, and 9 more authors
    Neurology, 2021