About Us
The ML-Health Research Group focuses on using cutting-edge technologies to advance healthcare and improve the lives of individuals with neurological and other medical conditions. Our mission is to develop innovative solutions for early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and rehabilitation through a multidisciplinary approach that bridges machine learning, biomedical engineering, and clinical sciences.
- Machine Learning and AI: Advanced models for analysing imaging and sensor data to identify biomarkers.
- Sensors and Wearable Technology: Devices to capture real-time data for monitoring motor deficiencies and rehabilitation.
- Prosthetics and Assistive Devices: Engineering solutions to improve the quality of life for patients with motor impairments.
- Biomedical Engineering: Novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools developed with clinicians and industry partners.
- Research Dissemination: Public engagement and open-access publishing to maximise impact.
Latest News
🤖 Outreach at Falkirk Science Festival with Spot the Robot
On 3rd May 2025, members of the ML-Health Research Group, including Dr Marta Vallejo and Dr Alistair McConnell, participated in the Falkirk Science Festival – Innovate Event, held at the Zetland Park Pavilion in Grangemouth. The event was part of a wider initiative led by Falkirk City Council to inspire young minds and the local community through science and technology.
In collaboration with the National Robotarium, we brought along Martina, a Boston Dynamics Spot robot, for an exciting day of demonstrations and hands-on exploration. Martina was a huge hit with attendees of all ages, sparking curiosity and discussion about the role of robotics in healthcare, research, and beyond.
This outreach initiative reflects our group’s ongoing commitment to public engagement and making cutting-edge science accessible to everyone.
Learn more about the Innovate Event ⟶
Published: May 2025
🌍 New Publication in Nature Ecology & Evolution
We are delighted to share that Dr Alistair McConnell, member of the ML-Health Research Group, is a co-author of a new publication in Nature Ecology & Evolution titled "Global quantification of the economic and health benefits of species and ecosystems".
The study presents the first global quantification of the direct economic and health benefits provided by species and ecosystems, highlighting their indispensable value to society. The paper underscores how biodiversity plays a critical role in supporting human wellbeing, with implications for conservation, climate adaptation, and global development policies.
This important contribution brings together interdisciplinary expertise across ecology, economics, and health – a space where Dr McConnell’s work is helping to build bridges between environmental and biomedical sciences.
Published: May 2025
🧠 New Preprint: Using GANs to Enhance Parkinson’s Disease Detection via Figure Copying Tasks
We are pleased to announce the publication of a new preprint on medRxiv, led by Dr Marta Vallejo in collaboration with Prof Jane Alty (University of Tasmania) and Prof Steven Smith (University of York).
This study investigates the use of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for data augmentation in Figure Copying Tasks, a common clinical test for cognitive and motor impairment in Parkinson’s Disease. Given the limitations in clinical dataset sizes, the approach aims to improve the robustness and performance of AI-based diagnostic tools.
Our results show promising improvements in classification performance and demonstrate the potential of generative models to overcome data scarcity in real-world clinical studies.
Published: April 2025
🎙️ Dr Alistair McConnell Shines at FameLab UK Scottish Finals
We’re delighted to share that Dr Alistair McConnell was shortlisted and finished in third place at the FameLab UK Scottish Regional Finals, held on 7th April 2025 at the National Museum of Scotland.
FameLab is a renowned science communication competition where participants have just three minutes to explain a scientific concept to a public audience and a panel of expert judges – using only the power of their voice and storytelling.
Alistair captivated the audience with his signature blend of clarity, charisma, and content – the 3 C’s of FameLab – demonstrating the power of engaging science communication.
We are incredibly proud of this fantastic recognition of Alistair’s work and his continued contribution to science outreach and public engagement!
Published: April 2025
🤖 ML-Health at STEM Careers Showcase 2025
We were thrilled to take part in the STEM Careers Showcase 2025, held on 12th March at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.
Representing the ML-Health Research Group, Dr Alistair McConnell engaged with over 1200 pupils and teachers from across Scotland, demonstrating how robotics and machine learning are transforming the future of healthcare.
This inspiring one-day event featured 30+ exhibitors from leading research institutions and industry, along with a stellar Voices of Science panel that included a volcanologist, climate activist, technologist, and digital engineer. Attendees explored hands-on STEM activities, and Dynamic Earth's astronomers shared an immersive Planetarium show focused on the planet’s future.
We are proud to support initiatives that ignite young people’s curiosity in science and engineering!
Published: March 2025
