On Friday, 13 February 2026, the expertise of the RespirERA Institute for Research and Training in Respiratory Diseases was exported across the Mediterranean. Invited by the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Professor Paul Hofman shared the institute's advances in two pillars of future medicine: artificial intelligence applied to diagnosis and new methods of medical education. A look back at a day of strategic exchange.
Artificial Intelligence: a new ally for pathologists
One of the major challenges in respiratory health today is the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. During his presentation, Professor Paul Hofman explained how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming pathology.
Far from replacing doctors, AI is positioned as a powerful assistance tool. It allows complex data (biopsies, imaging) to be analysed with new precision. However, as the IHU expert pointed out, this technological revolution must not take place without safeguards. The integration of these tools into clinical practice requires overcoming rigorous technical challenges and addressing fundamental ethical questions to ensure the security of patient data.
Simulation: learning differently to provide better care
Beyond technology, it is the way in which future doctors are trained that is changing. This day, under the auspices of Dean Professor Iheb Labbene, focused on medical simulation.
This teaching method, which is at the heart of Axis 4 of the RespirERA IHU (Training Excellence), allows students and healthcare teams to practise realistic scenarios without any risk to patients. Discussions with Tunisian teams have enabled teaching protocols to be compared and the conditions for successfully rolling out these multidisciplinary training courses in hospitals to be defined.
A scientific bridge between Nice and Tunis
This initiative is part of the IHU RespirERA's strong commitment to strengthening collaboration in the Mediterranean basin. By sharing its expertise in research evaluation (particularly through the analysis of scientific performance indicators) and clinical innovation, the IHU is consolidating its role as a leader and academic partner of reference.
