George Mason University has received a significant boost for its groundbreaking research on bruise and injury detection in cases of interpersonal violence, thanks to an anonymous $4.85 million donation. This generous gift aims to propel the development of innovative tools in imaging technology, utilizing a light source five times more effective than conventional white light. These tools will revolutionize the identification and visualization of bruises across all skin tones, benefiting forensic nurses, social service providers, and law enforcement agencies.
Melissa J. Perry, Dean of the College of Public Health, hailed this donation as the largest ever received for research in the college's history. She emphasized its transformative potential, highlighting Mason's leadership in cross-disciplinary research that aims to elevate groundbreaking initiatives to new heights.
Led by researchers Katherine Scafide, David Lattanzi, and Janusz Wojtusiak, Mason's interdisciplinary research in bruise detection has gained acclaim, even earning a feature on NBC Nightly News. With the infusion of this funding, the team will expand its bruise detection system, leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced imaging technologies, and clinical expertise to improve data collection and access to care for trauma victims.
Katherine Scafide, forensic nurse and research leader, emphasized the significance of this endeavor in addressing disparities in clinical care and enhancing legal recourse for survivors of violence. Meanwhile, David Lattanzi stressed the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that AI tools have access to comprehensive data from diverse skin tones.
Supporters of ending domestic violence, including Ruth Glenn, President of Survivor Justice Action, have commended this initiative. Glenn highlighted the promise of this research in revolutionizing bruise identification across diverse populations and advancing justice and empowerment for marginalized communities.
Source: GMU
Photo: Getty