Generative AI and clinical evidence
Generative AI for clinical recommendations: a proof-of-concept study using a closed evidence corpus.
Xavier Barber · Data science with judgement
Rigorous data.
Purposeful AI.
I connect research, artificial intelligence and domain knowledge to help businesses, public institutions and research teams make better decisions.
Full Professor at UMH · Deputy Director of i-MInD · Director of the UMH–FISABIO Joint Research Unit
Research, knowledge transfer and an approachable way of sharing ideas.
i-MInD · UMHMathematics, data science and AI
UMH–FISABIOStatistical methods in health sciences
International Biometric SocietyChair of the Representative Council · 2026–2027
01 / PROFILE
A scientific foundation. Many ways to contribute.
A useful solution starts with understanding the question.
I am a Full Professor of Statistics and Operations Research at Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Deputy Director of i-MInD and Director of the UMH–FISABIO Joint Research Unit on Statistical Methods in Health Sciences.
My work combines machine learning, Bayesian modelling, spatial analysis and efficiency assessment. I collaborate with specialists in health, the environment, industry and economics to turn data into evidence and useful tools.
Career and scientific community
02 / SELECTED RESEARCH
The method matters. So does the application.
Machine learning, uncertainty and models that connect disciplines. Selected work with links to the original publications.
Read article
Random Forest for efficiency assessment
Adapting Random Forest to estimate production technologies and measure efficiency in education.
Publication details
International Transactions in Operational Research · 2025
Machine learning and biodiversity
Machine learning to model species distributions on a global scale.
Publication details
Machine learning applied to global scale species distribution models
Scientific Reports · 2025
Predicting injuries in surgeons
A machine-learning calculator to predict musculoskeletal injuries in surgeons.
Publication details
A calculator for musculoskeletal injuries prediction in surgeons: a machine learning approach
Surgical Endoscopy · 2024
Bayesian networks in medicine
A review of Bayesian networks for disease diagnosis and prognosis.
Publication details
Bayesian networks for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases: a scoping review
Machine Learning and Knowledge Extraction · 2024
Open-source software for efficiency analysis
Open-source R software for fitting Efficiency Analysis Trees.
Publication details
eat: an R Package for fitting Efficiency Analysis Trees
The R Journal · 2022
6 publications shownBrowse all selected publications
03 / PROJECTS AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
From data to decisions.
Experience with specific problems across different sectors. These examples illustrate areas of work, rather than an exhaustive list of collaborations.
AI · PROTECTING PEOPLE
01VioGén-2
Development and validation of predictive models for repeat-offence risk assessment within the ALTEA project. Statistics and AI to support police risk assessment tools.
Related workAPPLIED RESEARCH
02Health and wellbeing
Selected success stories include predicting musculoskeletal risk in surgeons and analysing acceptance of remote consultations. Examples from a wider track record in clinical studies, treatment evaluation and predictive tools.
Related workRISK AND ADAPTATION
03Marine environments
Thermal risk in aquaculture, species distributions and environmental data integration. Maps and models to inform management and adaptation.
Related workRESOURCES AND PROCESSES
04Agriculture and circular economy
Compost Calculator, sludge characterisation, waste valorisation, irrigation and soil zoning. Analysis to evaluate processes and resource-use options.
Related workSUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
05Golf and land management
Turf management, fertilisation and remote sensing. Evidence to inform maintenance and resource use.
Related workQUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT
06Food industry
Experimental design, formulation, preservation and consumer preferences. Comparing products, processes and coproduct ingredients.
Related work04 / HUMAN-CENTRED AI
Technology supports. People decide.
Useful AI must pay attention both to model quality and to the people it affects.
My experience in risk assessment, health research and large-scale citizen surveys connects methods with social needs. I see AI as a tool to support informed decisions, with human oversight and attention to its limitations.
Understand
Explain what a model answers, which data it uses and what it assumes.
Acknowledge limits
Make uncertainty visible and assess where a tool works.
Care for people
Consider bias and the consequences of using the results.
Retain judgement
Support professional judgement and the responsibility of decision-makers.
05 / TRAINING
Understand AI. Put it to better use.
Specialised training to help teams understand tools, interpret results and apply them with judgement in their work.
Public institutions
Generative AI, document analysis, security and practical applications for more efficient public administration.
Businesses and professionals
Data science and machine learning to analyse information and evaluate predictive models.
Research and health
Experimental design, methodology and statistical analysis, including training in animal experimentation.
Universities and teaching
Teaching innovation, digital skills and contributions to postgraduate and digital health training.
University teaching since 2005, specialised training and Teaching Talent recognition. Excellent evaluations in DOCENTIA-UMH.
Discuss training for your team06 / BEYOND THE UNIVERSITY
Beyond the classroom.
I am from Dénia. Cycling and playing the dolçaina are two ways to switch off, enjoy myself and spend time with others.
Another way to explore the road ahead.
Time outdoors, trails and cycling. A chance to change pace and enjoy the surroundings.
The sound of home.
Playing the dolçaina, a traditional Valencian wind instrument, connects me with Valencian music and culture. An interest rooted in coming together, tradition and shared learning.
Rowing is also part of my story, although I am currently taking a break from it.