Our Projects

Ongoing Projects

Deep Learning for ALS Diagnosis

Using convolutional neural networks to classify ALS patient brain images and identify biomarkers for early diagnosis and personalised treatment.

  • Collaborators: University of Aberdeen, Prof Jenna Gregory, (Gregory Laboratory)
  • PI: Dr Marta Vallejo
  • Status: In Progress

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)
  • PI: Dr Marta Vallejo
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Status: In Progress

Completed Projects

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
  • 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
  • Status: Completed (2024)