Projects - ML-Health Research Group

Ongoing Projects

EPSRC IAA: Neuro BioMark – Precision Biomarker Detection Platform for Enhanced ALS Diagnosis

This project aims to develop an advanced, accessible diagnostic tool for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Using machine learning, the tool analyses neuroimaging biomarkers to assist in early diagnosis and patient stratification. It provides visualisations and data-driven insights to support clinical decision-making.

Collaborators: University of Aberdeen, Prof Jenna Gregory (Gregory Laboratory)
PI: Dr Marta Vallejo
Funding Body: EPSRC-IAA
Status: Active

RoboBarista: Longitudinal in-situ deployment

RoboBarista investigates how service robots can take orders and interact with customers, promoting a social connection within a public bistro setting. Broadly, this research project explores how social and service robot technologies can be seamlessly integrated into everyday environments, ensuring they are not just functional but also intuitive, inclusive, and beneficial to the communities they serve.

🎧 Listen to the BBC audio news: RoboBarista on BBC Sounds

📰 Read about the project in the press: Northern Echo: Robot Barista Helps Housing Group Lead Innovation

Collaborators: Heriot-Watt University, Dr David Robb, Mr Bruce Wilson
PI: Dr Theo Georgiou
Funding Body: NorthStar Housing group
Status: In Progress

Rubbish Robots

A school engagement project working on the co-design and building of sustainable robots with local schools in Edinburgh, West Lothian and Falkirk.

Collaborators: Heriot-Watt University, Dr Marta Vallejo, Dr Mauro Dragone, University of Edinburgh, Prof Adam Stokes, and Heriot-Watt University (National Robotarium), Dr Alix Partridge
PI: Dr Alistair McConnell
Funding Body: Royal Academy of Engineering - Ingenious Award
Status: In Progress

Health OpenSpaces

A year-long project based in the UK Young Academy with the question, “What would it take to change the underrepresentation of pregnant people in medical research?”

Collaborators: University of Edinburgh, Dr Andrea Ford and University of York, Dr Andrew Holding
PI: Dr Alistair McConnell
Funding Body: UK Young Academy
Status: In Progress

Making Waves – Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Ocean

A one-year project aiming to take the first steps in incorporating inclusive and accessible practises in ocean literacy into the UK Secondary school curricula.

Collaborators: Cardiff University, Dr Aditee Mitra, Teesside University, Prof Antonia Liguori and Dr Imrose Muhit and University of Strathclyde, Dr Charles Maurice Pigot
PI: Dr Alistair McConnell
Funding Body: UK Young Academy
Status: In Progress

Completed Projects

Biomarker Discovery in Parkinson's Disease

Exploring machine learning models to detect subtle motor patterns from accelerometer data for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Collaborators: Dr Juan Marin, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet (Zaragoza, Spain), Mr Lucas Jurcaga, Heriot-Watt University
PI: Dr Marta Vallejo
Funding Body: Not funded
Status: Completed (2024)

Investigation of Retinal Imaging using Deep Learning

Developed state-of-the-art deep learning methods for fluorescence lifetime and retinal imaging in collaboration with Optos, enhancing early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

PhD Student: Dorian Gouzou
Supervisor: Dr Marta Vallejo
Funding Body: Internship at Optos Ltd.
Status: Completed (2024)

RoboBrico: A Modular Assistive Robotic Platform Co-designed with Users

An EMERGENCE Network+ grant allows us to ask the question, can a robot help with hydration in a Care Home? The project consisted of three co-design workshops conducted with the residents, their families and staff at the Viewpoint Care home in Edinburgh as well as a robotic deployment of the RoboBrico Hydration platform.

Collaborators: Heriot-Watt University, Dr Mel McKendrick, Dr Mauro Dragone, Carol Pradeep, Konpanion, Camila J Pol, Alexandre Colle, Dr Scott McLeod, Dr Ronnie Smith, Old College Capital, Andy Coleman
PI: Dr Alistair McConnell
Funding Body: EPSRC - Emergence Network
Status: Completed (2024)