ULTRA-HIGH RESOLUTION MODELLING OF THE HUMAN BRAIN USING MULTISCALE, MULTIMODAL IMAGING AND AI

1. Context of the research including potential impact

Researchers at UCL have developed a new X-ray imaging method called Hierarchical Phase-Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT), which allows imaging whole human organs in detail up to the cellular level. HiP-CT is an X-ray phase propagation technique that uses the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) Extremely Brilliant Source to perform non-destructive, three-dimensional (3D) scans with hierarchically increasing resolution at any location in whole human organs, down to 1 um/voxel in Volumes of Interest. As such, these imaging data not only provide a novel view of the complex hierarchical structure of the human brain but could also provide a detailed understanding of the biological processes at work during neurodegenerative diseases which are difficult to diagnose.
This PhD will develop advanced AI tools for data processing, meaningful interpretation and analysis, and translation of these high-resolution images to clinical use.

2. Aims and objectives

The goal of this project is to enhance our understanding of the structure of white matter tracts and blood vessels in the brain, both in healthy individuals and in those with neurodegenerative conditions. This will be done by developing advanced computational techniques, such as large-scale AI, to analyze multi-resolution images obtained from a synchrotron and then correlating these images with MRI images to realise clinical use in the assessment of a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's.

3. Novelty of the research methodology

The HiP-CT imaging method enables imaging of the human brain with a resolution of up to 300 times greater than the current highest resolution MRI scans and so requires bespoke computational methods to be developed for modelling brain structure. These imaging data are unique worldwide and will be correlated to clinical MRI images to improve the current models of white matter tract orientation and vascular architecture, in healthy and neurodegenerative cases.

4. Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas

The project aligns with the priorities of the EPSRC Healthcare Technologies Theme, specifically around Novel imaging technologies. This research will support the development of advanced AI tools for data processing, making sense of complex imaging data, understanding underlying pathology and monitoring progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

5.Any companies or collaborators involved

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

The critical mass of scientists and engineers that i4health will produce will ensure the UK's continued standing as a world-leader in medical imaging and healthcare technology research. In addition to continued academic excellence, they will further support a future culture of industry and entrepreneurship in healthcare technologies driven by highly trained engineers with deep understanding of the key factors involved in delivering effective translatable and marketable technology. They will achieve this through high quality engineering and imaging science, a broad view of other relevant technological areas, the ability to pinpoint clinical gaps and needs, consideration of clinical user requirements, and patient considerations. Our graduates will provide the drive, determination and enthusiasm to build future UK industry in this vital area via start-ups and spin-outs adding to the burgeoning community of healthcare-related SMEs in London and the rest of the UK. The training in entrepreneurship, coupled with the vibrant environment we are developing for this topic via unique linkage of Engineering and Medicine at UCL, is specifically designed to foster such outcomes. These same innovative leaders will bolster the UK's presence in medical multinationals - pharmaceutical companies, scanner manufacturers, etc. - and ensure the UK's competitiveness as a location for future R&D and medical engineering. They will also provide an invaluable source of expertise for the future NHS and other healthcare-delivery services enabling rapid translation and uptake of the latest imaging and healthcare technologies at the clinical front line. The ultimate impact will be on people and patients, both in the UK and internationally, who will benefit from the increased knowledge of health and disease, as well as better treatment and healthcare management provided by the future technologies our trainees will produce.

In addition to impact in healthcare research, development, and capability, the CDT will have major impact on the students we will attract and train. We will provide our talented cohorts of students with the skills required to lead academic research in this area, to lead industrial development and to make a significant impact as advocates of the science and engineering of their discipline. The i4health CDT's combination of the highest academic standards of research with excellent in-depth training in core skills will mean that our cohorts of students will be in great demand placing them in a powerful position to sculpt their own careers, have major impact within our discipline, while influencing the international mindset and direction. Strong evidence demonstrates this in our existing cohorts of students through high levels of conference podium talks in the most prestigious venues in our field, conference prizes, high impact publications in both engineering, clinical, and general science journals, as well as post-PhD fellowships and career progression. The content and training innovations we propose in i4health will ensure this continues and expands over the next decade.