Innovating in data
science
Data science in action.
A MOOC (Massive Open learning Course) created by the University of Edinburgh enables learners to explore how big data is revolutionising health care through personalising diagnosis and targeted treatment. It includes a video by IHDP’s Director, Professor Aileen Keel, outlining the positive impact data science can have on personalised healthcare using examples of partnership work within IHDP.
Data Science in Stratified Healthcare and Precision Medicine (MOOC) | The University of Edinburgh
Providing a real world perspective of data science in action supports students’ understanding of applying data science.
- With an exploratory mind-set, innovation can mean adding value to existing developments.
Partnering with NHS and academia to innovate in data science.
IHDP, NHS Lothian and St Andrew’s University jointly sponsored an innovative data science studentship – an Engineering Doctorate (EngD). The flexible programme allowed a range of research projects to be developed in response to ‘live’ opportunities and needs identified, over 2017 - 2020.
The EngD is a 4-year graduate research programme. EngD students – Research Engineers (REs) – complete a taught programme of advanced modules as Research Training. In parallel, they undertake Individual Research, tackling problems posed by their Industry Sponsor, defining, designing and evaluating solutions in collaboration with the Academic Supervisor. The Individual Research is within an industrial setting, allowing REs to develop knowledge, understanding skills, and experience in application areas of the Industry Sponsor. Full details on the programme website: https://engd.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk/
- Deep understanding of health records, NHS eHealth systems and the challenges of software development in an NHS environment.
- The EngD has produce a highly skilled individual who is equipped to work on future implementation of innovative software solutions in healthcare.
- There is a legacy of prototype software solutions that will provide a strong basis for further development of the innovative use of data for improved patient care.
- The student has contributed expertise and capacity to the Cancer Information Team, specifically on the development of the South East Scotland Cancer Database upgrade and migration of legacy data onto the new platform. She also assisted in the identification and implementation of the new reporting platform.
- Workforce capacity building – there is an acute shortage of developers and analysts available to work within the public sector. This programme is a successful part of the wider strategy in Scotland for expansion of an employable skills-base in this area.
- Innovation can mean investing in different approaches to education, supporting ‘real world’ and user-led ways of learning.
- The Edinburgh Cancer Information Team has developed an understanding of how an industrial placement of a software engineering student can promote innovative design in our data infrastructure solutions.
Programmes of work
An overview of IHDP-led activities and learning.