IDERHA in the spotlight Part 9: Jens Declerck

Can you share some insights into the work you are doing in IDERHA (including your affiliation and WP)? And why is your work important? 

My main contribution is within Work Package 4 of the IDERHA-project. I work for i~HD (The European Institute for Innovation through Health Data), where my research focuses on health data quality. In particular, I lead Task 4.5, which aims to develop a comprehensive data quality framework for IDERHA. This work also forms the core of my PhD, where I explore the concept of “fit for purpose” when reusing health data. By improving how we assess and ensure data quality, we can build stronger foundations for trustworthy and effective health data reuse across Europe.

Looking ahead five years, what profound impact do you envision your project will have on both your personal growth and the broader landscape of your field?

Working at i~HD gives me the opportunity to engage in multiple EU-funded projects and collaborate with leading experts in the field. Through IDERHA, I’ve gained a deep understanding of how to approach health data quality to ensure trust in AI-driven healthcare applications. Personally, IDERHA is a key driver in my PhD journey, helping me translate theory into real-world impact. In the broader context, I believe this project will influence how Europe defines and measures data quality, shaping the standards that guide the future of digital health research. And personally, my biggest challenge is on how to communicate this in a simple yet correct way. Achieving this would be my goal to reach within coming 5 years.

If you were to deliver a TED talk, what would be the topic you'd choose, and why do you think it’s interesting enough for everyone to hear? 

My TED talk would of course be about data quality, and specific the human factor of it. Many people think of data quality as a technical challenge, something that can be solved with better software systems or governance structure. But in reality, it’s deeply human. Good data comes from people who care, stakeholders (healthcare providers, data scientists, policy makers) who record, interpret, and use it with attention and purpose. To truly improve data quality, we need these passionate individuals who understand that how we treat data is very similar to how we treat patients: with care and trust. That’s the message I would want to share on this talk. How human connection might help determine the quality of the data which will have a major impact on our work. Not sure if people would be interested in this topic.

If the world of research hadn’t been your calling, what alternative career path do you think you might have taken? And why didn’t you take it?

Before joining i~HD, I worked for nine years as a physical therapist, mainly with recreational and professional runners. It was a passion and an interesting experience, but I felt a growing desire to contribute on a larger scale, specific to help patients indirectly by improving healthcare systems as a whole. Allthough I had a daily impact on my patients, at least I tried to achieve this, I wanted to have a bigger impact. If i~HD hadn’t crossed my path, I’d still be working in a health-related field, supporting patients and trying to improve their quality of life.

Share with us your ideal way to spend a day off, whether it's a thrilling adventure, a cozy retreat, or an exploration of something new and exciting.

Personally, my ideal day off would be one filled with sports. I love endurance challenges like long trail runs in the mountains or extended cycling routes. These moments clear my mind and often lead to unexpected insights. I have found that some of my best work ideas or ideas in general come while I’m out running or biking, specially after a couple of hours. Physical exastion opens the mind and helps to clear obstacles or challenges.

If you could have dinner with any three individuals, living or deceased, who would they be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Brian Cox, David Attenborough, and Michael Jordan.
Brian Cox, because his programs on the universe are simply fascinating. He has the gift for explaining complex scientific concepts in such an engaging and accessible way. I would like to learn from him how to communicate difficult topics so clearly and passionately.
David Attenborough has always been an inspiration to me, giving me a reminder of how fragile and beautiful our planet is.
And finally, Michael Jordan, he is an absolute legend and the reason I started playing basketball. Watching him play gave me so many unforgettable moments. I even used to wake up at night to watch his games with friends and family. His dedication and mindset are something I admire.

Dive into the world of science-related entertainment - what's your absolute favourite movie, TV series, or book, and why should everyone see or read it at least once?

My favorite movie is without hesitation Interstellar. Everything about it is briljant, from the music and visuals to the scientific accuracy and emotional depth. Each time I watch it, I notice new details and layers of meaning. And the music is just fantastic. For those who prefer books, I would recommend Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig, a beautiful exploration of philosophy, quality, and the meaning of life through the perspective of a road trip between father and son. In the first chapter he describes the feeling of riding a motorcycle in which you have this connection with nature and your surrounding. For me, it is the same feeling when you are riding your bike. Just an amazing experience. 

If you had the magical ability to master a new skill in just 24 hours, what skill would you choose and why?

Definitely singing. I’ve always admired artists who can move and connect with hundreds of people using only their voice. If I started singing now, I would probably also move people. But unfortunately they would move away from me. 

What burning questions or topics were you secretly hoping to discuss that we haven't touched upon?

Maybe the topic of how we can bring more humanity into data-driven healthcare. We often talk about systems, algorithms, biases, and governance. But behind every variable of data there’s a person, a patient, a clinician, a researcher. I think we should talk more about how to foster collaboration, and shared understanding among all these groups. And how it all actualy impacts the daily life of patients. Technology is important of course, but it’s people who make it meaningful and create impact with that technology. That human aspect of data is something I’m always eager to discuss.