Insigneo Newsletter - April 2023

Welcome to our monthly Insigneo newsletter!  

Our monthly e-newsletter keeps you up to date with events, funding, success stories and information. We hope you will find it useful! 

University of Sheffield becomes member of newly-established Turing University Network

Image: Alexa Steinbrück / Better Images of AI / Explainable AI / CC-BY 4.0

Congratulations to Haiping Lu, Insigneo Research Theme Director for Healthcare Data and AI, on his new role as the Turing Academic Lead to support the University of Sheffield further strengthening its ties with The Alan Turing Institute as it joins the UK’s national centre for data science and AI’s newly launched Turing University Network.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals to test use of smart technologies to support recovery of heart attack patients

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is to play a leading role in a major trial assessing the use of smart technologies to support the recovery of heart attack patients.

The Trust is one of three trusts nationally, alongside Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, to trial a new digital care platform which will enable cardiac rehabilitation services to be delivered to patients in their own homes through mobile apps, Fitbits and novel digital technologies.

Professor Tim Chico, Insigneo Research Theme Director for Healthcare data and AI, Professor of Cardiology at the University of Sheffield and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who is also the Thematic Lead for Personal Monitoring Data at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre, said: “There is huge potential from combining personal monitoring data with other types of health data in order to provide the greatest support for people to improve their cardiovascular health and sense of wellbeing. The DERIC study provides an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how personal monitoring may transform the way that we deliver health care.”

Professor Ipsita Roy gives talk at the House of Commons

Image: (left to right) David Newman, Managing Director, BBIA;  Daniel Zeichner, the Shadow minister for Food, Farming and Rural Affairs; Professor Ipsita Roy

On Tuesday 18 April 2023, Professor Ipsita Roy, Insigneo Research Director for Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Cell Engineering, attended a breakfast meeting with MPs/Peers and business representatives at the House of Commons to give a talk on the role of Biomaterials in the Bioeconomy, including the development of medical devices. The event was organised by Industry and Parliament Trust.

Insigneo Showcase - abstract submissions 

The Insigneo Institute's Annual Showcase event will be held on 14 July 2023 at the University of Sheffield's Diamond Building. 

This full day event is an opportunity for our members, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, industrial colleagues, and other academic groups in the UK to meet and see first-hand the innovative research produced by our Institute.

We invite you to submit an abstract for our poster display by 26 May 2023.

To submit an abstract you will need to register for the Insigneo Showcase, you will be asked if you wish to submit an abstract as part of this process.  You can either submit your abstract at the time or return to submit it later by following the link in your confirmation email to edit your event registration. Abstract format details can be found here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/insigneo/overview/events/insigneo-showcase-2023

The Insigneo Showcase event will feature:

• A plenary talk from Professor Jackie Hunter from BenevolentAI 
• Sessions from our five research themes:  Biomaterials / Biomechanics / Cell engineering; Computational modelling in medicine; Biomedical imaging; Smart devices and sensors; and Healthcare data / AI;
• Early Career Researcher presentations – hear about emerging research with perspectives from the next generation of researchers;
• Poster exhibition
• Networking opportunities with industry, funders, academics and clinicians.

She has over thirty years of experience in the bioscience research sector, working across academia and industry, including leading research and early clinical development in neurology and GI for GlaxoSmithkline. She is an experienced NED and also a charity Trustee. She chairs of the Boards of Brainomix Ltd, an AI driven clinical imaging company,  Biocortex Ltd, an AI enabled microbiome company, and the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. She is a past chair of the Trustees of the Sainsbury lab at Norwich, UK and a former CEO of the BBSRC. She is also a member of the AStar Board in Singapore and Board director of the Bioindustry Association.

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science and PhD in Psychology from Royal Holloway College, University of London and was appointed CBE in 2010 for services to the pharmaceutical industry.

Medical Research Council Impact Accelerator Award scheme

Medical Research Council Impact Accelerator Award scheme, helping fund proof of concept experiments for new healthcare technologies.

For those members who are part of the MRC Impact Accelerator Award consortium, this is a reminder that the deadline for submissions is the 26th of May and to get in touch with your institutional technology transfer or commercialisation representatives early to increase the likelihood of success.

For Insigneo members you can contact Alex Wilkinson for guidance and support. 

Virtual You review: The quest to build your digital twin

Our CompBioMed project held a book launch for  'Virtual You: How Building Your Digital Twin Will Revolutionize Medicine and Change Your Life', the third book by Science Museum Science Director Roger Highfield and Professor Peter Coveney of University College London, and a film screening at the Science Museum, London on 29 March 2023.

Insigneo Scientific Director of Operations, Dr Andrew Narracott from the Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease and Insigneo Fellow Dr Alberto Marzo from the Department of Mechanical Engineering have both contributed to the content of the book and film.

You can read a review of the book in the New Scientist.

Dr Melanie Jegu

Congratulations to Insigneo member Melanie Jegu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering who has passed her viva.

New members

We would like to introduce some of our new members who have joined the Insigneo Institute recently:

Chiara is currently a third-year PhD student in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Bologna, supervised by Professor Marco Viceconti. She is now at the University of Sheffield as a visiting researcher under the supervision of Professor Enrico Dall'Ara for a three month period abroad.

Chiara's PhD project is focused on developing in silico tools to assess the risk of vertebral fracture, with a clinical focus on patients with bone diseases, especially osteoporosis and metastases. Specifically, she works on the validation of the outputs of the models against experimental data from optical fullfield techniques in order to assess their credibility.

Anza holds an MS in Computer Science in addition to a BS in Electrical Engineering. Her research interests include the areas of unsupervised machine learning and its various multidisciplinary applications, such as healthcare and remote sensing, that face difficulties with high-dimensional, noisy and imbalanced data.

Anza is currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with Dr Ali Khurram on a project funded by CR UK. Her project involves designing and developing AI models for the detection of head and neck cancer. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anza-shakeel-6b5744114/

Do you have news to share with us?

If you would like us to include information and/or events to this newsletter please email: news@insigneo.org (the newsletter will be issued during the 2nd week of the month, excluding January and August). 

Insigneo members - please let us know when your students are graduating so that we can celebrate their success!

Please ensure that you submit items for inclusion with a minimum of one week's notice.

Guest Lectures, Conferences & Seminars

We will share a link to our Online Training Opportunities document here each month.

Insigneo events

28 April
Insigneo seminar: Biomechanics of the right ventricle in pulmonary hypertension

7 June
Insigneo seminar: Dr Thomas Iskratsch​​​​​​​

14 July 2023
Insigneo Showcase

A selection of Insigneo seminar recordings are available to view on our YouTube channel.

Other events

28 April
IICD Department Research in Progress Meeting (Imaging Theme). Demi-Jade Jakymelen, 'My job role', Eve Shalom, 'Physics Informed Neural Networks for DCE-MRI analysis' Please contact Sarah Black (sarah.black@sheffield.ac.uk) for connection details.

4 May
N8 CIR: Data Pre-Processing Training , online

Dr Clare Lankester (Sheffield University's Medical Device Regulatory Expert in Residence) has arranged a series of regulatory based workshops for staff within the IAA consortium (TUoS, STH, SCH, SHU). The workshops will be facilitated by Clare and delivered by expert external speakers. 

5 May
IICD Department Research in Progress Meeting . Tom Saville (Title TBC), Heba Ismail, 'Mechanoflammation in osteoarthritis and multimorbidity: fishing for ubiquitin clues.' Please contact Sarah Black (sarah.black@sheffield.ac.uk) for connection details.

5 May, 2.15-4.00pm
Developing your translational funding strategy
Portobello Centre, Seminar Room B59a

Abstract: In this training session we will walk you through the planning of a translational research project and how to develop your research proposal with the end in mind. We will discuss what makes a strong translational project/proposal and which common gaps/mistakes to look out for. We will guide you through the funding landscape and ‘what comes next’ after your IAA project (section 6 of application form) and link up to the other support that is available to you. As project managers on translational research projects we will also give you a whistle-stop tour on how to manage projects and what tools to use.

Speakers: Evy de Leenheer & Sabiniano Roman Regueros (Translational Project Managers)

Registration: To register for this event, please complete the Google Form here.

8 May
Sano Seminar: Task performance in a realistic virtual reality simulation. The role of arousal and processing fluency in evoking presence and a sense of realism

10 May, 10.15am-12.00pm
Scheme overview: What makes a good MRC IAA application?
Arts Tower, LT02

Abstract: This presentation will give an overview of the MRC IAA scheme and provide guidance on the key aspects to focus on with regards to planning a robust project and writing a clear proposal. The guidance is directed specifically at the requirements for the MRC IAA scheme.

Speakers: Jonathan Field & Nicola Galley (Knowledge Exchange Managers)

Registration: To register for this event, please complete the Google Form here.

10 May, 2.15-4.00pm
Some successful approaches to medical device design
Arts Tower, LT01

Abstract: Taking a piece of academic research through to being incorporated in a medical device for launch into the clinic and onto the market is not a simple process, but it is plannable. This talk uses an established medical device process, the Biodesign Process, to illustrate the journey from academic research to full launch. The journey is non-linear and iterative. It is commonly divided into 3 phases: Identify, Invent and Implement. Each phase is broken down into greater detail and is explained in terms of the importance to you as an academic. This talk is based on the evidence-based research that shows that your chances of success at getting your research into the clinic is increased if you can have an appreciation of the full journey that will be needed.

Speaker: Edward Draper (Entrepreneur in Residence)

Biography: With over three decades’ experience in medical device and healthcare business development, Edward has a deep understanding of the sciences and manufacturing technologies in BioTech. As a Visiting Professor with the University of Sheffield, Edward supports discussions on developments and regulations associated with commercialisation of complex biomaterials with regulatory authorities (including FDA and MHRA); links to potential commercial purchasers of the technologies (including Large Corporations); advises on publication strategies that will minimise adverse effects on the value of the University’s intellectual property; and lectures on Advanced Biomaterials and their Commercialisation.

Registration: To register for this event, please complete the Google Form here.

11 May, 2.15-4.00pm
Regulatory considerations for your IAA application
Portobello Centre, Seminar Room B59a

Abstract: An introduction to the regulatory landscape relevant to MRC IAA projects, guidance and signposting for where to access further support.

Speaker: Clare Lankester (Entrepreneur in Residence)

Biography: Clare has over 15 years’ experience in the MedTech industry, primarily developing strategy and development programmes for start-ups and SMEs. A scientist at heart, Clare is passionate about the technologies which will shape our future world and the people who make it happen. She has a strong background in medical devices, product definition, regulatory, preclinical, clinical, strategy, and fundraising. She has experience working collaboratively across industry, academia, and NHS sectors. Previous roles include commercial assessment of NHS innovations, delivery of training on innovation and regulatory affairs, and clinical trial management / CRA. Of particular personal interest to Clare are the fields of kidney research and organ transplantation and related technologies.

Registration: To register for this event, please complete the Google Form here.

15 May
Sano Seminar: Roksana Wilk, Head of Data Processing Laboratory, EOSC and Open Science affairs coordinator, Academic Computer Centre Cyfronet AGH, Krakow, PL

HELSI Bites seminar: Leveraging NLP Tools to Enhance Health Research: Opportunities and Challenges

16 May, 9.15am-11.00pm
Commercialisation of medical innovations
ICOSS Conference Room

Abstract: Between an invention and, finally, a new medical product there is a vast amount of innovation to do.  Whilst the invention is important (it is the spark that enables the innovation, after all), it is not intrinsically where the true commercial value lies; that is determined by a host of other considerations, many of which can be anticipated and exploited to increase the chances of a positive commercial outcome in the longer term. In this interactive talk, Dr Michael Murray RTTP, will outline how a good idea leaves the campus and gets into the commercial world.  Great emphasis will be placed on looking way beyond the "invention" at the outset, the best to understand what the related innovation process must achieve, and how to do this in the context of developing new medical interventions whether they be new drugs, biologics, medical devices, instruments, diagnostics, or enabling technology platforms.  The material will cover inventions, the role of IP, how to inform market-aligned innovation and product development, and different mechanisms of the commercialisation process itself. Dr Murray will be available after the formal session if you wish to have a one-to-one conversation.

Speaker: Michael Murray (Entrepreneur in Residence)

Biography: Principal at Murray International Partners, Michael is a deal-maker and commercial intellectual property (IP) specialist who has been working in technology transfer in the biopharmaceutical industry since 1996. His clients range from universities and research institutes, through start-ups and SMEs, to mid-tier and major multinational companies. In April 2019, Michael commenced as a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Sheffield, hosted by the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health. He works closely with the Sheffield Healthcare Gateway and with the Research Services Impact and IP teams. As part of Michael’s role, he is delivering training which outlines how, for example, a biochemical or biological reaction in an Eppendorf tube might be turned into a globally available medicine.

Registration: To register for this event, please complete the Google Form here.

19 May
HELSI PhD Symposia Computer Science

23 May 
Pint of Science: Manifesting Imagination with Robots

30 May
HELSI Bites seminar: Vision and Ageing

12 June
HELSI PhD Symposia Bioscience

13 June
HELSI PhD Symposia - Social Science & Health

13 June
N8 CIR RSE Leaders and Aspiring Leaders meeting

13 June
N8 CIR RSE Day

14 June 2023 09:30 - 12:00
A Practical Introduction to Healthcare Standards
Conference room - Alfred Denny building

Abstract: “A Practical Introduction to Standards”  is a two hour session, with two interactive activities. The session first provides an overview of the various types of standards, then focuses in on several commonly used standards in healthcare (ISO 14971,ISO 24971 and BS 62366). The aim of the session is to introduce standards in an engaging and informative way, to understand that they play a vital role in daily life and ensure patient safety. Emma will also discuss other ways BSI can support emerging research through letters of support / mentoring / standards mapping / specification development etc. The workshop is suitable for all researchers in healthcare. 

Speaker: Emma Glass (University Partnerships Manager, BSI), facilitated by Clare Lankester

Registration: To register for this event, please complete the Google Form here.

25 - 29 June
Sano: AI Neuro Summer School

12 - 14 September
CompBioMed Conference 2023 

14 - 15 September
BioMedEng23, Swansea 

10 - 12 October
Avicenna Days 2023

For a full list of upcoming events visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/insigneo/overview/events

Vacancies

PhD opportunity: MRI with Motion-resolved Image Reconstruction for Imaging the Breathing Lung (closing date: 28 April 2023)

PhD Opportunity: Functional lung image synthesis using machine/deep learning: development, validation and application (closing date: 28 April 2023)

Post-doctoral Research Associate -  Preclinical investigations of an injectable antimicrobial synthetic bone graft paste (closing date: 3 May 2023)

Publications

A transparent artificial intelligence framework to assess lung disease in pulmonary hypertension (Scientific Reports) M. Mamalakis, K. Dwivedi, M. Sharkey, S. Alabed, D. Kiely,  A. J. Swift

EVA1A (Eva-1 Homolog A) Promotes Endothelial Apoptosis and Inflammatory Activation Under Disturbed Flow Via Regulation of Autophagy (Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology) L. Canham, S. Sendac, M. R. Diagbouga, E. Wolodimeroff, D. Pirri, B. Tardajos Ayllon, S. Feng, C.S ouilhol, T. J. A. Chico, P. C. Evans, J. Serbanovic-Canic

Deformable image registration based on single or multi-atlas methods for automatic muscle segmentation and the generation of augmented imaging datasets (PLoS ONE) W. H. Henson ,C. Mazzá, E. Dall’Ara

The Effect of Omega-9 on Bone Viscoelasticity and Strength in an Ovariectomized Diet-Fed Murine Model  (Nutrients) M. Omer, C. Ngo, H. Ali, N. Orlovskaya, V. San Cheong , A. Ballesteros, M. Tyrel Garner, A. Wynn, K. Martyniak, Fei Wei, B. E. Collins, S. N. Yarmolenko, J. Asiatico , M. Kinzel, R. Ghosh, T. Meckmongkol, A. Calder, N. Dahir, T. A. Gilbertson, J. Sankar, M. Coathup

Artificial Intelligence as a Diagnostic Tool in Non-Invasive Imaging in the Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease (Medical Sciences) G. Doolub, M. Mamalakis, S. Alabed, R. J. Van der Geest, A. J .Swift , J. C. L. Rodrigues, P. Garg, N. V. Joshi, A. Dastidar

Bone metastases do not affect the measurement uncertainties of a global digital volume correlation algorithm (Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology) G. Cavazzoni, L. Cristofolini, E. Dall’Ara, M. Palanca

A hybrid model- and deep learning-based framework for functional lung image synthesis from multi-inflation CT and hyperpolarized gas MRI (Medical Physics) J. R. Astley, A. M Biancardi, H. Marshall, P. J. C. Hughes, G. J. Collier, M. Q. Hatton, J. M. Wild, B. A. Tahir 

A multiscale computational framework to evaluate flow alterations during mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of ischaemic stroke (Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine) I. Benemerito,  A. Mustafa, N. Wang, A. P. Narata, A. Narracott, A. Marzo

Feasibility and usability of a digital health technology system to monitor mobility and assess medication adherence in mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease (Frontiers in Neurology) H. Debelle, E. Packer, E. Beales, H. G. B. Bailey, R. Mc Ardle, P. Brown, H. Hunter, F. Ciravegna, N. Ireson, J. Evers, M. Niessen, J. Qing Shi, A. J. Yarnall, L. Rochester, L. Alcock, S. Del Din

2022 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (European Respiratory Journal) M. Humbert, G. Kovacs, M. M. Hoeper, R. Badagliacca, R. M. F. Berger, M. Brida, J. Carlsen, A. J. S. Coats, P. Escribano-Subias, P. Ferrari, D. S. Ferreira, H. A. Ghofrani, G. Giannakoulas, D. G. Kiely, E. Mayer, G. Meszaros, B. Nagavci, K. M. Olsson, J. Pepke-Zaba, J. K. Quint, G. Rådegran, G. Simonneau, O. Sitbon, T. Tonia, M. Toshner, J.-L. Vachiery, A. V. Noordegraaf, M. Delcroix, S. Rosenkranz, the ESC/ERS Scientific Document Group