Femke De Backere

Adaptive software & digital health

Research in Adaptive Software & Digital Health Interventions focuses on designing intelligent, personalized and context‑aware digital technologies that support behavioural change, health monitoring and patient engagement. The work combines software engineering, machine learning, semantic modelling and human‑computer interaction to create adaptive systems that respond to individual needs, preferences and contexts.

A central ambition is to develop digital healthcare interventions that are not only technically robust, but also engaging and effective in real‑world use. This includes the integration of explainable models that capture domain expertise, enabling systems to tailor recommendations, feedback and therapeutic strategies to each user. Gamification, serious games and conversational agents are explored as mechanisms to increase motivation, adherence and long‑term behavioural change.

The research also includes AR/VR/XR technology and applications. These technologies support digital health solutions that can be deployed in clinical settings, home‑care environments and broader societal contexts.

Through interdisciplinary collaborations spanning computer science, health psychology, movement science and clinical partners, the research aims to create digital tools that are both scientifically grounded and impactful for users, caregivers and healthcare providers.