A new multi-partner collaboration led by Heriot Watt University has set out its vision to use health and care engineering to accelerate medical breakthroughs, tackle global health challenges, and shape the future of patient care.

Global Research Institute (GRI) in Health and Care Technologies held its first showcase at the National Robotarium with a keynote speech by Professor Sir Chris Witty, the UK’s government’s chief medical adviser, giving his thoughts on the major opportunities and challenges for the NHS for technological innovation.

The GRI brings together Heriot-Watt’s multidisciplinary research expertise across engineering, digital technologies, data science, psychology, and design.

It is focusing on addressing five global and national “grand challenges”: using engineering to fight cancer, technologies for healthy ageing, digitising chronic disease management, global innovation in One Health, and digital approaches in mental health.

Professor Robert Thomson, academic co-lead of the institute, said:

“This institute is a significant step in translating our research into real-world impact. 

“By uniting our campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia under a single global vision, we are positioning Heriot-Watt and the UK at the forefront of health and care innovation."

Professor Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas, academic co-lead of the institute, told the meeting:

"We are creating a truly interdisciplinary ecosystem where clinicians, engineers, designers and patients work side by side to co-design solutions.

“From connected diagnostics to AI-powered monitoring and sustainable medical devices, the innovations emerging from this institute will help us meet health challenges head-on."

The university says the institute will also support entrepreneurship, spin-out development, clinical adoption, and regulatory readiness through its close ties with the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC), NHS Scotland and industry partners.

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