PhD opportunities at the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Healthcare, Imperial College London

We have created a world-leading Centre for doctoral training with the vision and mission to train innovators in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for health and care. Our AI4Health graduates will be experts who drive the development of AI, will have learned to move fluidly across the disciplinary AI-medical/healthcare boundaries, and become independent actors in the highly regulated healthcare technology market. The programme is based at Imperial College, Department of Computing which achieved the top spot for computer science and informatics in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise, deeming 93% of its research and research-led education and innovation world-leading and the remainder internationally excellent.

For entry in 2024, we have several funded PhD opportunities available..

Our approach

Our strategy is broad, inclusive and multidisciplinary. For us AI is about an entire system that solves a health problem, this may require combining different algorithmic and representational approaches including machine learning, robotics, optimisation, symbolic reasoning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Challenges in applying AI to healthcare require the development of patient-ready methods aligned with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. Ultimately, the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Healthcare aims to cultivate a diverse cohort of AI researchers capable of effectively deploying AI in healthcare, addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in this field.

The program covers technical AI aspects, healthcare ethics, patient engagement, practice, and regulations. It offers hands-on training with NHS databases, biobanking, and advanced AI techniques like deep learning. Cohort-based activities, including AI seminars and hackathons, encourage collaboration among students and researchers from diverse backgrounds such as mathematics, computer science, and clinical medicine. Industry partnerships provide co-created content, regulatory and entrepreneurship training, and data access, while collaboration with NHS trusts supports on-site research.

Our students will benefit from the joint supervision of at least two supervisors, and will go through an integrated, cohort-based training programme. Details of the programme including its progress requirements (milestones) are available on our website.

Who should Apply

We are looking for students who are enthusiastic and strongly motivated to combine their AI-related skills with a strong interest in healthcare and patient treatment. The expectation is that applicants normally have achieved a First Class (4-year) Undergraduate degree and/or Distinction level Master’s degree or equivalent degrees in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, such as computer science, engineering (mechanical, electrical/electronics, bio/biomedical), mathematics, physics, as well as biological sciences, psychology, physiology or medicine.

Our Centre values diversity and equality, and all staff and students are committed and happy to provide a friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and can thrive.

How to Apply

Please check on our webpage what information and documents must be included in your application. Then please apply through the Imperial application portal: the login page and guidance can be found on this page: Application process.

The next application deadline for the October 2024 entry is 21 April 2024.

Funding

Several fully funded UKRI studentships are available for Home (UK) students and a limited number of studentships are available for international students. A studentship covers tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate plus London allowance, tax-free, typically for at least three years.

Contact

Please get in touch with your queries, at ai4health-admissions@imperial.ac.uk