Deniss Karai

Mental health disorders are widespread, and their impact on individual functioning, work ability, and the healthcare system is substantial. At present, the effects of interventions delivered as part of mental health support or treatment are assessed mainly through clinical interviews and self-reports, usually during infrequent visits. The project adds a regular data-driven measurement layer to this process and develops an interpretable individualized model and a standardized workflow to help detect clinically meaningful changes earlier, more consistently, and more objectively. In this way, the project lays the foundation for a new data-driven service layer in occupational health and mental health services, as well as for the further development of well-being digital solutions based on neurophysiological input.

Kidney failure and the need for dialysis are rising, increasing pressure on healthcare systems and expectations for treatment quality. This project addresses a critical gap by developing an optical sensor for real-time assessment of dialysis quality, enabling continuous monitoring of under-monitored uremic toxin removal. Moving beyond single-point measurements, the approach supports data-driven and patient-centred treatment optimization. The project combines technology development with clinical validation and practical implementation, involving a leading industrial partner, a clinical centre, a professional network, and a university of applied sciences. This ensures both relevance and a clear pathway to real-world use. The expected outcome is a clinically validated sensor prototype with strong potential for further development into a market-ready solution, contributing to improved treatment outcomes, innovation in health technologies, and academic workforce development.

Around 13% of the adult population suffers some form of kidney damage, and the death rate of complications related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is very high. The primary cause of death in CKD patients is cardiovascular disease. Vascular calcification (VC), one of the cardiovascular complications, is prevailing in CKD. One of the causes of VC in CKD is the disbalance between VC inhibitors and inducers due to failed kidney function. During the dialysis therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, inducers and also inhibitors are removed from the patients’ blood. This project (VasCalDi) aims to develop unique optical methods to estimate VC and monitor VC inhibitors removal during dialysis in patients with ESRD. The project's goal is to make the work of hospitals and physicians more efficient and improve the life quality and survival of ESRD patients by monitoring disturbances in VC inhibitor balance and vasculature allowing timely interventions.