Two members of CHARM joined the CLIRPath-AI Conference 2025, which took place from May 20 to May 22 2025. Renzo Vanna from the Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies at the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and Tiago Azevedo from the Computer Science Department at the University of Cambridge represented the CHARM project, contributing insights and engaging in significant discussions focused on spectral pathology and artificial intelligence.
CLIRPath-AI, organized by the EPSRC Healthcare Technologies NetworkPlus grant, brought together a large assembly of clinicians, pathologists, spectroscopists, and AI specialists. The event, held over three days, offered extensive sessions covering current developments and future prospects in spectral pathology and AI.
Keynote speakers and panel discussions emphasized the importance of integrating advanced AI techniques with pathology services to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes. Notably, sessions explored state-of-the-art applications, ranging from infrared microscopy and Raman spectroscopy to sophisticated deep learning methodologies for histopathological analysis.
Reflecting on the conference, Tiago Azevedo emphasized, “Participating in CLIRPath-AI provided valuable validation for our ongoing development of deep learning methodologies within CHARM. Several AI experts confirmed that our approach aligns with emerging best practices in the field, which reinforces our technical direction. Beyond the technical validation, the networking sessions proved equally valuable. We established meaningful connections with leading research groups facing similar challenges in spectral AI, opening doors for collaborative studies that could significantly accelerate CHARM’s path to clinical translation.” According to Tiago, “The consensus among attendees was clear: projects like CHARM, which integrate cutting-edge AI with coherent Raman imaging, represent the future of precision pathology. This technology addresses exactly what the clinical community needs to bridge the critical gap between research innovations and patient care.”
Renzo Vanna similarly highlighted the conference’s significance: ” As a spectroscopist deeply involved in developing and applying Raman microscopy and other label-free diagnostic tools, attending CLIRPath-AI proved exceptionally valuable. The opportunity to engage directly with pathologists, clinicians, and AI experts in the same forum created a rare convergence of perspectives that’s essential for accelerating the translational journey of technologies like coherent Raman imaging.” The focused discussions around standardization protocols, clinical integration strategies, and cross-disciplinary collaboration frameworks were particularly relevant to our CHARM development efforts. “What struck me most was how this convergence of diverse expertise helps establish the robust, clinically-validated protocols necessary for decisive movement toward clinical adoption. The conference reinforced a critical principle: meaningful dialogue between technical developers and end-users isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential to ensure that our innovative tools genuinely address real clinical needs and workflow realities.
Renzo and Tiago joined interdisciplinary breakout sessions aimed at shaping a future roadmap for spectral pathology research within the UK and beyond. Their participation underscores CHARM’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across AI-driven healthcare technology sectors.