Researchers at the College explore how the principles of computer science can be used to improve human and animal health. Image Getty Images. Photographer: Gremlin The use of ‘big data’ – large datasets such as health records and population statistics – is an important part of medical informatics. Study of large data sets has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of people here in Scotland and all over the world. Data can also help farmers and related industries to improve food production and veterinary care and stem the spread of livestock diseases. Digital agriculture technologies – known as agritech – will be crucial for increasing global food supplies. What we do Our researchers work together to combine their individual expertise to solve challenges in health and agriculture using data. They come from many related fields including epidemiology, statistics, computer science, clinical research, sociology, ethics, economics, geography, health promotion, medicine, veterinary medicine and animal science. Multiple projects are currently ongoing, including research into addiction, cancer, e-health, ethnicity, end-of-life care, and public health research and policy. We also have initiatives using data to improve agricultural productivity. These include generating and collating, in real time, a multitude of local and global data in areas such as veterinary activities, animal genetics, food species genetics, soil condition, weather and market drivers. We work with commercial partners to use this information for the benefit of farmers worldwide but particularly in low and middle income countries. Where we do it The College hosts two innovation ‘hubs’ housing research expertise and facilities for the Data-Driven Innovation initiative, part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. These are the Usher Institute and the Easter Bush campus. The Usher Institute Data-Driven Innovation Hub, working closely with colleagues from the NHS, health and social care partnerships and Scottish Government, will develop innovative and financially sustainable models of health and social care that improve lives, through the application of data science. The Centre for Medical Informatics sits within the Usher Institute, focusing on the interdisciplinary study of designing, developing and using information technology solutions in healthcare. The Easter Bush campus hub is home to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the Roslin Institute and the Global Academy for Agriculture and Food Security. Impact Safety in numbers Study PhD in Medical Informatics Explore The Usher Institute The Roslin Institute Data Driven Innovation website Support our work This article was published on 2024-09-09
