tech4health: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Health Technologies

Summary

Multiple PhD studentships available within tech4health, an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Health Technologies.

The programme consists of four themes, covering all disease areas:

Theme 1: Diagnostic and prognostic indications

Timely identification of disease strongly influences the outcome and the cost of healthcare, but stretched resources and waiting lists mean new technological solutions are needed to ensure people are diagnosed promptly.

Example projects:

• Breath analysis device for cancer-screening
• Smartphone-based retinal scanning in the home
• Decision support tools for dementia diagnosis using blood-based biomarkers

Theme 2: Treatment and care optimisation

Efficiency and health economics are at the heart of modern healthcare. New tools and methods can improve patients’ care pathways.

Example projects:

• Deep learning models for patient pathway prognostics
• Drones to support public access defibrillator delivery
• Point-of-care sensors for patient-specific dosing of drugs

Theme 3: Disease tracking, surveillance and modelling

Population disease surveillance is crucial to protect people, health systems and the economy from the threat of infectious diseases.

Example projects:

• Mobile phone-connected sensors for self-testing of influenza
• Ultra-sensitive quantum sensors for environmental surveillance of infectious diseases in wastewater
• Automated assessments of an individual’s risk of disease via web search activity

Theme 4: Health data security, interoperability and sharing

Healthcare generates about 30% of all data globally, and NHS data could create value worth around £9.6 billion each year.

Individuals also generate their own health data through apps and wearables that are yet to be interoperable and integrated into care records.

It is vital to create health data systems to allow for secure data sharing.

Example projects:

• Data visualisation to mitigate AI automation bias in radiology
• Data analytics of medical device/software user interaction data for real-world validation and post-market surveillance
• ECG data classification for improved diagnostics using explainable deep learning

The four-year programme will enable you to embark on a substantial research project, building on a tailored training programme including:

• Lectures on the programme’s key themes
• Training in research skills, responsible and sustainable innovation, research methods, systematic literature reviews, ethics and integrity, and research impact
• Technical training e.g. scientific computing, coding, materials and devices, prototyping and product design

Students will also benefit from:

• Our annual doctoral conference, bringing together current students and expert digital health scientists
• Partner ‘sandpits’, providing the opportunity to develop research ideas with real-world impact
• Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) training and wellbeing sessions
• Patient, public involvement and engagement (PPIE) training
• A 3-month industry/clinical secondment (Year 1)
• Clinical shadowing scheme (Year 2 onwards)

Visit tech4health.co.uk to find out more about the Centre for Doctoral Training, our staff, researchers and partners.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• EPSRC

The University offers the following levels of support:

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Fully funded EPSRC PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £20,780 (25/26) per annum for four years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance). As well as a £12,000 (total over four-year programme) Researcher Training Support Grant (RTSG).

These scholarships are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

UKRI Terms and Conditions apply - https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/