Voice Analysis Could Detect ALS Years Before Symptoms Appear, Leading Researcher Reveals
A groundbreaking approach to neurological disease detection, utilizing voice analysis to identify indicators of conditions like ALS up to five years before clinical symptoms manifest, is being pioneered by Professor Pedro Gómez Vilda. The esteemed researcher recently received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Extremadura (UEx) in recognition of his decades of contributions to computer science, biomedical engineering, and fostering academic collaboration.
The University of Extremadura formally bestowed the Honoris Causa Doctorate upon Professor Gómez Vilda during a ceremony held at the Faculty of Law. The recognition was proposed by the Polytechnic School and endorsed by the Department Councils of Computer and Telematic Systems Engineering and Computer and Communications Technology, highlighting the broad impact of his work.
During the investiture ceremony, a senior official praised Professor Gómez Vilda’s dedication to the field, noting that “the voice has been a universe of communication for Pedro Gómez Vilda.” This sentiment underscores his long-standing research into utilizing vocal biomarkers for early disease diagnosis, including Parkinson’s disease, in addition to ALS.
Professor Rosa María Pérez Utrera, of the UEx Department of Computer and Communications Technology, delivered the eulogy, emphasizing Gómez Vilda’s significant contributions to speech perception, voice processing, bioinformatics, and bioengineering. She also highlighted the enduring relationship he has cultivated with the University of Extremadura since 1989, fostering collaborative research opportunities and facilitating doctoral programs.
After accepting the honor, Professor Gómez Vilda shared reflections on his career, which began with a fascination with the emotional component of speech. He explained that his work leverages Computer Architecture to detect subtle neurological changes reflected in vocal patterns. “Speech always arises from emotions,” he stated, illustrating the potential of this technology with the example of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which he believes can be identified in the voice up to five years before traditional diagnosis.
The rector of the UEx, Pedro Fernandez Salguero, emphasized the significance of the award, stating that the distinction recognizes Professor Gómez Vilda’s “professional, academic, scientific, cultural profile and human values.” He expressed the university’s honor in welcoming him into the faculty of doctoral students. The ceremony concluded with a performance of the university anthem, “Gaudeamus igitur,” by the UEx Choir.
Born in El Burgo de Osma, Professor Gómez Vilda’s distinguished career began with a degree in Higher Telecommunications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) in 1978. He earned his doctorate in Computer Science from the UPM in 1983 and became a full professor there in 1985, following a research fellowship at the University of Maryland. He was inducted as a University Professor in the area of Computer Architecture and Technology in 1988.
Throughout his career, Professor Gómez Vilda has consistently championed interdisciplinary research and technology transfer between academia and industry. He has also been a dedicated mentor, actively supporting the work of his colleagues and fostering a collaborative environment. His continued connection with the University of Extremadura, dating back to 1989, demonstrates his commitment to building strong academic partnerships.
This innovative research offers a promising new avenue for early disease detection, potentially leading to more effective interventions and improved patient outcomes for debilitating neurological conditions like ALS. .
