Its name harks back to a bygone era, but the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 is at the forefront of enabling medical researchers and institutions to realise the full benefits of emerging technology, details John Lavery.
The world of scientific research is experiencing a seismic shift. With the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data processing tools, the scientific community is beginning to experience a change in the way we approach scientific research, ultimately altering the way we approach problems and identify solutions.
By harnessing these cutting-edge innovations scientists and entrepreneurs can revolutionise the way they conduct research and development work. Furthermore, to cement the role of these technologies within society, scientists must be well-versed in the potential applications and benefits, as well as the underlying requirements. AI, for example, is quickly becoming an invaluable tool for solving complex problems within STEM fields, pushing the limits of human capability and knowledge.
Not only can these technologies streamline research processes, but techniques in data can also offer the capacity for deeper analysis and predictive modelling, unlocking previously unattainable knowledge.
It is essential that scientists develop the skills necessary to utilise these powerful tools effectively, as they continue to become increasingly vital to the research landscape, as well as understand the ethical boundaries that exist with the applications of these new tools.
Because of this, institutions and businesses should prioritise the incorporation of AI and data processing technologies into their programs and provide support for researchers who are interested in investigating these areas. By fostering a culture of AI-literate scientists, the research community can optimise its capacity for innovation and continue pushing the boundaries of human understanding.
At an early stage, the Commission became aware of the power of AI and data processing tools in advancing knowledge and improving the medical Source: Los Muertos Crew field. Because of this it has been able to fund multiple projects that have developed and used these tools to address major barriers in medicine, ultimately helping root AI and other technologies as invaluable tools to scientific research.
Machine learning to enable preventative medicine
The role of AI within medical research is varied and can take many forms – some more established than others. In 2021, Commission Industrial Fellow Parijat Patel began her research project with the Commission alongside her Industrial Partner Caristo Diagnostics, a medical imaging company originally spun out of Oxford University. Their technology uses AI to help analyse CT scan results to detect inflammation in coronary arteries. Parijat’s project aims to understand how this technology can be used in the detection of individuals at risk from diabetes, pre-diabetes and related cardiovascular conditions, by identifying unhealthy fat tissue.
In today’s world, machine learning is a constant source of debate, from anxiety around job displacement to data security.
However, what cannot be denied is the significant power these tools have in detecting patterns and discrepancies within data. By sourcing hundreds of images of adipose tissue biopsies and feeding them into this AI technology, Parijat aims to develop a significant tool to be used in preventative medicine. As we cultivate these AI tools within the medical field, it is crucial to assess them alongside traditional methods to confirm their efficacy. By working with clinicians in this process, Parijat can maintain these standards while developing this innovative technology.
By fostering a culture of AI-literate scientists, the research community can optimise its capacity for innovation and continue pushing the boundaries of human understanding
AI’s position within preventative medicine can also help identify the relationships between biological systems through machine learning. Tom Waddell began Industrial Fellowship in 2020 alongside the University of Oxford and Perspectum Diagnostics – a quantitative, non-invasive imaging company that specialises in delivering precision health for cancer and metabolic diseases.
His work involves the use of AI-based Bayesiannetwork methodology to develop a computational model of obesity and multi-organ dysfunction and its impacts on the human body. Tom aims to develop a model that, using an individual’s data, can predict the outcome of their health in the future. This would essentially provide doctors and patients with a well-informed basis to chart a patient’s personalised medical plan. The power of AI in this research must not be discounted. By being able to detect links and inter-relationships between biology systems impacted by obesity, researchers are able to identify new ways of treating obesity-related health conditions.
Data processing tools to help make PPE safer
As well as AI, there is great value in data processing tools and techniques which have also become increasingly valuable to scientific research and R&D over the last decade. Using facial recognition technology, Commission-funded Enterprise Fellow Samuel Willis and his company PolyMetrix are developing personalised 3D printed CPAP masks to improve the effectiveness of personal protective equipment.
Much of the personal protective equipment used in hospitals is designed for one facial type, therefore the effectiveness and usability are dependent on how well an employee fits the standard sizing. However, our size and face/body type differs based on gender, demographics and other factors, meaning not all equipment will work optimally for every worker, limiting the effectiveness for certain care workers. PolyMetrix’s novel technology scans the face of essential care workers and designs a protective CPAP mask to fit their face shape and size, improving effectiveness – allowing for the airtight seal needed in CPAP masks – and comfortability. The technology uses the power of data collection and data processing, to lower the time it takes to design personalised equipment from months to seconds.
Samuel’s work with PolyMetrix presents the immense power these tools have in tackling everyday issues within society. By identifying a problem and leveraging the power of the specific technology needed to address this issue, researchers can develop market-ready solutions in record time, in fields like medicine.
The Royal Commission originally organised the Great Exhibition of 1851 – an international arts and science event intended to increase the impact these fields had on UK society. It sees continued support for researchers working to understand how emerging technologies can advance our understanding of human health, as essential in cementing this tech within the medical field.
Fellowships such as these provide the space for researchers to test out new technology within the research landscape. More often than not, research funding is awarded to those conducting digestible and well-accepted areas of study. However, it is programs such as these that are required to support those pushing the boundaries of technology and science.
To remain resilient in a changing landscape, academics must embrace technological process and develop creative ways of sparking change within the medical community.
John Lavery is Secretary at the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, which has funded research fellowship programmes and education initiatives with the intent of supporting innovative and impactful projects in various STEM fields, since its foundation 172 years ago
