Please introduce yourself briefly and describe your current role at DFKI
My name is Maxx Richard Rahman, and I am from India. I have been working as a researcher at DFKI since 2021. I hold a master’s degree in Physics and am currently finishing my Ph.D. in Computer Science at Saarland University. My research focuses on analysing longitudinal clinical data, such as blood samples, for anomaly detection. My work is particularly relevant to anti-doping projects aimed at ensuring fairness and integrity in sports.
In which of the 29 research departments do you work at DFKI?
I work at DFKI Saarbrücken in the Smart Service Engineering research department, headed by Prof. Wolfgang Maaß. We focus on developing intelligent systems and AI-driven solutions for dynamic and interactive services. Our work bridges academic research and real-world applications, tackling challenges in different domains, such as healthcare, sports, sustainability, and crisis management.
What are you working on at the moment, or in other words, what are your plans for saving the world?
I am currently developing algorithms to detect doping in sports, including identifying banned substances in blood samples and detecting sample tampering. This work supports organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in effectively combating fraud and promoting fairness in sport. Another focus of my research is the integration of biological metabolic information into large language models (LLMs) to improve the ability of AI systems to analyze complex biological data. This opens up new applications in clinical and sports settings. These projects reflect my commitment to harnessing AI for societal impact, advancing fairness, and deepening our understanding of biological systems.
What are your strengths and what has been your greatest success or favourite experience so far?
My strength lies in combining my expertise in physics with the mindset of a computer scientist to analyze and solve complex problems. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to approach challenges from unique perspectives, which has been invaluable in my work. One of my greatest achievements so far has been presenting my research at prestigious international conferences such as IJCAI and NeurIPS. These platforms provided me with a chance to share my work with the community and engage with leading experts in the field.
What do you enjoy most about your job at DFKI? What inspires and fascinates you?
I enjoy the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects that bridge diverse fields. Collaborating with colleagues from different academic backgrounds and exchanging ideas with experts in various domains is both inspiring and intellectually stimulating. This diversity not only broadens my perspective, but also leads to innovative solutions that may not emerge in more siloed environments. I find great fulfillment in using my knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to society. The interdisciplinary nature of our research topics is what truly fascinates me – it's a reminder of how interconnected and impactful AI can be when thoughtfully applied across domains.
If you weren't a scientist, what career would you have pursued?
I would love to travel the world as a nature photographer. Capturing the beauty of the world through a lens and telling stories through imagery has always fascinated me. This alternative path would also satisfy my thirst for exploration and curiosity, but in a way that celebrates the visual and emotional impact of our planet's beauty.
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