GeoAI toolbox for Epidemic Intelligence

GeoAI4EI will develop an open-source, trustworthy, & ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) toolbox to strengthen European and global epidemic intelligence (EI) for pandemic preparedness and response. Building on the Horizon 2020 MOOD platform & state-of-the-art geospatial and epidemiological modelling, GeoAI4EI will integrate multi-source data (epidemiological, mobility, environmental, ecological, Earth Observation, & socio-economic) with advanced AI, including Large Language Models (LLMs) & retrieval-augmented conversational assistants. Co-produced with researchers, public health (PH) agencies, policymakers, & supranational bodies (ECDC, HERA, WHO), the toolbox will enable early detection, monitoring, & scenario-based management of high-risk pathogens, including zoonotic spillovers & climate-driven threats. GeoAI4EI is designed around core ethical and legal safeguards: all data will comply with GDPR, Data Sharing Agreements, & anonymisation standards. Developed AI tools will conform to the EU AI Act, FAIR & CARE principles, and independent ethical audits. By integrating fairness-by-design pipelines (bias audits, sex/gender covariates & analyses ), transparency measures (model cards, uncertainty visualisation), & safeguards against over-reliance or misuse, the project will enhance strategic effectiveness. Digital inclusion is ensured by open-source, lightweight platforms & training programmes for resource-limited contexts. Cybersecurity is reinforced through EU-based secure hosting, encryption, & role-based access. By embedding ethics & inclusiveness in its methodology, GeoAI4EI will enhance trust in AI-driven PH tools, reduce inequalities in pandemic preparedness, & ensure interoperability with EU infrastructures (EHDS, ATHINA). The project outputs will improve real-time decision support for epidemic preparedness across Europe & associated countries, whilst contributing to global health security through equitable, ethical, & sustainable digital innovation.