Exeter University-led £20m project to prevent and detect dementia

Five research and partnership hubs are receiving more than £52m in government funding through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to develop healthcare technologies aimed at detecting diseases earlier. According to Building Better Healthcare, the investment supports projects spanning brain health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, traumatic brain injury, and respiratory infections. Tech Times noted that industry and charity partners are contributing an additional £37.5m in cash and in-kind support, bringing the total program value to more than £89m. Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), stated that the hubs will help translate engineering research into practical healthcare applications. Science Minister Chris McDonald said, "Earlier diagnosis means better outcomes for patients and less pressure on our NHS, and technology has a vital role to play."

Led by Professor David Llewellyn at the University of Exeter, the AI and Emerging Technologies for Next Generation Brain Health Clinics (BRAINIAC) hub is establishing the UK's first network of NHS brain health clinics. Building Better Healthcare reported that the £20m Exeter University-led project will combine blood tests, brain scans, and digital memory assessments using artificial intelligence. Ten sites across the UK will test the technology with more than 1,700 patients, and UKRI stated the project aims to reduce dementia risk and accelerate diagnosis by up to 50%.

At the University of Sunderland, the Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation (NORI) hub received £12.2m to use AI in identifying early signs of diabetes and cardiovascular disease through routine eye scans. According to the BBC, interim pro vice-chancellor for health Professor Matthew Campbell said the funding will help develop the technology and take it into international markets. The project will initially focus on diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with potential future applications for stroke and dementia. Science Minister Chris McDonald visited NORI on Thursday to launch the hub.

Other projects include the BRAIN-SAFE hub at Imperial College London, led by Professor David Sharp, which develops computer models to assess head injury risks in sports and accidents. King's College London hosts the EPSRC HeartTech Hub led by Professor Sebastien Ourselin, which received an additional £1m from the UKRI Life Sciences Programme and combines wearables and AI for cardiovascular care. Finally, the CRISP hub at the University of Southampton, led by Associate Professor Alexander Edwards, is developing wearable sensors, smartphone breathing apps, and rapid tests for respiratory infections.