Health Theme: Harnessing Data Science and AI to Optimise Health

The Health theme has a wide scope, current areas of strength include spatial and spatiotemporal methods in global public health, design and analysis of clinical trials, epidemic forecasting and demographic modelling, health informatics and genetics.

At Lancaster University, the health theme brings together a diverse range of expertise applying data science and artificial intelligence to address pressing challenges across health and medicine. Our researchers work at the cutting edge of areas such as cell and molecular biology, digital health technologies, management science, infectious disease, health economics, medical imaging, and health-related security.

Collaboration is central to the theme’s approach. Academics within the heath theme partner with NHS teams, industry, UK and international universities, and a variety of other organisations to drive innovation and deliver real-world impact.

A distinctive asset for our researchers is access to regional NHS Secure Data Environments. These platforms provide secure, anonymised data and research tools for approved projects, supporting new insights and safer healthcare solutions. Professor Jo Knight, based at Lancaster University, serves as the Research Director for the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Secure Data Environment, helping to shape cutting-edge data-driven health research in the region.