PhD Opportunity – AI Approaches to Improve Heart Failure Prognosis
Project Title:
AI Approaches to Improve Heart Failure Prognosis
Supervisor(s):
Principal Supervisor: Professor Silvia Paracchini (University of St Andrews, School of Medicine)
Co-supervisors: Professor David Harrison (University of St Andrews, School of Medicine) and Dr Simon Fisher (Industry supervisor, Canon Medical Research Europe)
Deadline:
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Project Description:
Heart failure is a condition which can be severely life-limiting. It is a complex trait affecting over 30 million individuals worldwide and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Diagnosis and prognosis are determined using imaging and physiological measurements of the heart. While genomic technologies have led to the identification of a large number of genetic risk factors, they are not systematically used for diagnosis and prognosis.
This project will develop novel machine learning methods, based on foundation models, to combine genomic information with cardiac imaging for higher accuracy of prognosis. A foundation model allows for the combination of multiple types of input and can generalise well across datasets. While these models have already shown promise, combined analyses of imaging and genomic data is a relatively unexplored area. A requirement of these methods is the availability of large sample sizes characterised with different measurements. The UK Biobank, which includes over 42,000 participants with both genomic and cardiac imaging data, is ideal for this approach.
The main goal of this work is to improve our understanding of how imaging and genetic modalities can be usefully combined into predictive algorithms, a key technical challenge in enabling the next generation of prognostic tests. We will also train a model that, beyond this project, could be used to prototype future clinical deployments in identifying patients at high risk of heart failure.
The project builds on an interdisciplinary and cross-sector partnership. Professor Silvia Paracchini (St Andrews) leads research in the genomics of complex diseases and Professor David Harrison (St Andrews) has experitse in pathology and AI methods. Dr Simon Fisher and the Canon team bring expertise in the development and application of ML approaches in industrial settings. Both academic supervisors have a long-standing collaboration with Canon that included the co-supervision of PhD projects.
This project provides a unique training opportunity in AI methods applied to human health data. At the end of the PhD, the student will have the skills to work with large and complex datasets genomic datasets using state-of-the-art AI methods. The student will receive training for all scientific areas required by the project, benefit from the training in St Andrews to develop research skills, and structures internship at Canon offering insights in different aspects of research commercialization.
Funding Details:
This project is one of 17 four-year PhD Studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland (MRS) to be delivered jointly by the named University and External Partner Organisation (EPO). The Studentship will provide first-class academic, and additional training provided by the EPO, needed to equip the successful candidate for a science career in an increasingly competitive market.
‘AI approaches to improve heart failure prognosis’ will be delivered by the University of St Andrews School of Medicine (by principal supervisor Professor Silvia Paracchini and co-supervisor Professor David Harrison) and Canon Medical Research Europe (by industry supervisor Dr Simon Fisher).
Apply for this fully funded 4-year PhD studentship to be part of a well-established collaboration between the University of St Andrews and Canon Medical Research Europe.
This PhD studentship provides:
- An annual tax-free stipend of £20,539, increasing to £21,087 over the four years.
- Tuition fees at home rates only.
- Consumables.
- Generous travel allowance.
Please note that international fees are not covered.
How to Apply:
Full applications should be made via the University’s online portal.
Applications should include:
- CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- A research proposal.
- A sample of academic written work in English.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- English language requirements certificate (if required).
Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first or 2.1 UK honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline.
Please note, your application may be shared with the funders of this PhD Studentship, Medical Research Scotland and Canon Medical Research Europe.
Interviews are expected to take place approximately 4 weeks after the closing date for applications. It is anticipated that the PhD Studentship will start 7 October 2025. Please make sure your application is complete by 19th February 2025.
Contact:
Application enquiries can be made to Sandra Fleming at [email protected].
Project enquiries can be made to Professor Silvia Paracchini at [email protected].