Researching Digital Assistance in Surgery

Anke Reinschlüssel’s academic career has been characterised by a strong interdisciplinary approach. After completing a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science at Osnabrück University, she went on to earn a Master's degree in Human–Computer Interaction at the University of Siegen. She subsequently completed her doctorate in Human–Computer Interaction at the University of Bremen, followed by a postdoctoral position at the University of Konstanz. Ever since her studies, she has been fascinated by the relationship between humans and machines, particularly in the medical field. Her research investigates how digital and computer-based solutions can best support surgeons in their work, with a strong emphasis on human-centred research.

“The relationship between people and virtual reality or augmented reality is a very special one. In interpersonal interactions, we constantly exchange and interpret social and non-verbal cues—a glance, a gesture, a slight delay in response—which lead to interpersonal synchronisation and have a positive impact on empathy and team performance. This also applies to surgical teams during operations. This is precisely where my research begins: How can such cues be integrated into VR and AR environments in order to provide the best possible support for healthcare professionals during surgery and in telemedical, location-independent settings?” says Anke Reinschlüssel.

In Bayreuth, she particularly values the close connection to end users, where researchers and clinical staff work hand in hand. “This strong network and the interdisciplinary environment in Bayreuth attracted me because of my user-centred and human-centred research. In addition, the University of Bayreuth has a pleasantly manageable size, and colleagues from other disciplines are always close at hand,” says Reinschlüssel.

At the University of Bayreuth, Anke Reinschlüssel now aims to further develop her research focus in the field of telepresence: How can experts from specialised medical disciplines be digitally integrated into a team in such a way that they genuinely feel part of it? She is also interested in empowering patients as well as future doctors. “My goal is to investigate user-centred interaction with medical data and AI systems, thereby helping to establish Bayreuth as a renowned research centre in this field,” says Anke Reinschlüssel.