KTU Researcher Sarmad Maqsood: Science Requires the Courage to Step Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Dr Sarmad Maqsood, a researcher at the KTU Faculty of Informatics, believes that technology matters most when it helps people stay healthy and live better lives. While many think of artificial intelligence (AI) as complex mathematics or computer systems, for him, it begins with a simple but powerful realisation: technology needs a soul.

The KTU scientist decided to focus on medical AI because, in this field, even a small improvement in a computer model can help save a life or detect a disease earlier. For Dr Maqsood, the real goal is to create tools that help doctors do their jobs better, even when the available data is messy or incomplete.

Although Maqsood began his career as an engineering researcher focused on solving complex technical problems, he eventually felt that calculations alone were not enough. The turning point came when he realised that his engineering expertise could become a life-saving tool.

Shifting his focus to medicine gave his work at KTU a deeper purpose, bringing technical precision together with human compassion. "Engineering in medicine is not just about writing code; it is about giving doctors superpowers to spot illnesses earlier and plan treatments more accurately," he explains.

Debunking Myths About AI in Medicine

People might receive health alerts on their smartphones, while AI systems could help doctors identify risks and detect illnesses much earlier.

Technology will make healthcare faster and more precise, but the human connection between a doctor and a patient will remain at the heart of medicine.

"The most realistic and responsible future is one in which digital tools make care more accessible, proactive and precise, while doctors remain central to final decisions and patient trust," says the KTU researcher.

Teaching the Courage to Explore

Dr Maqsood has two roles at KTU: he is both a scientist and a lecturer. For him, the two are closely connected. Research allows him to explore new ideas, while teaching gives him an opportunity to pass that sense of curiosity on to his students.

"Working with students keeps me grounded and reminds me that science is not just about data, but also about helping people grow," he explains.

Maqsood does not favour one role over the other. He believes that research and teaching complement and strengthen each other.

When asked about KTU students, he describes them as capable, curious and motivated. However, he also sees one important challenge: many are afraid of making mistakes. Students often feel pressure to be perfect, especially at the beginning of their studies.

In reality, innovation frequently comes from trying, failing and learning. According to Maqsood, the students who succeed are those who remain persistent and open to new ideas. Making mistakes is not a sign of failure - it is part of learning how to become a good scientist.

A Life Beyond the Laboratory

As an international researcher living in Kaunas, Maqsood describes his experience in Lithuania as highly positive. He says he felt welcomed both in the city and at KTU, and sees Lithuania's scientific community as ambitious and open to new ideas.

The academic environment supports collaboration and professional growth, while Kaunas offers a good balance between work and personal life. According to him, the city is calm, organised and pleasant, while remaining active and culturally vibrant.

One of the proudest moments of Dr Maqsood's career was receiving an award from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences in April 2026 for his work, "Deep Learning Methods for Medical Image Analysis Using Imperfect Data".

For him, awards are not merely a form of recognition. They also bring responsibility and motivate scientists to work even harder for the benefit of the wider community.

Outside research and teaching, family plays a central role in Maqsood's life. When he is not working, he enjoys the peaceful rhythm of Kaunas and spends time with his wife and daughter, often walking through the Old Town or along Laisvės Avenue.

This balance between ambitious research, teaching and family life reflects the idea at the heart of his work: meaningful progress requires curiosity, compassion and the courage to step beyond one's comfort zone.