AI Powered Personalized Virtual Heart Modelling at University of Southampton

PhD Supervisor: Dr Lei Li

Supervisory Team: Dr Lei Li, Prof. Age Chapman

Project description:

In this unique PhD project, we aim to develop advanced AI models for creating cardiac digital twins, i.e., virtual heart models. We will employ the dataset (imaging, ECG, electronic medical records, etc) collected from the patients, to accurately modelling the anatomy and simulate the function of patients’ diseased hearts. These models, coupled with machine learning techniques, contribute to the identification of crucial mechanistic relationships and features that offer insights into the trajectory of a patient’s heart condition. The research will delve into the intersection of AI and cardiac sciences, exploring novel approaches to revolutionize our understanding of the human heart. With the potential to impact medical treatments and technology advancements, this project promises an exciting and important avenue for personalized medicine.

The project will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, including academics from the University of Southampton and experts from University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Fudan University, etc.

Techniques to be used.

Image analysis

• Aim: create 3D anatomical model from medical imaging.
• Tech: image segmentation, mesh reconstruction, etc.

Electrophysiological modelling

• Aim: simulate the electrical activity in the heart.
• Tech: monodomain/ bidomain model, Aliev-Panfilov model, Eikonal model, etc.

Machine learning

• Aim: establish deep learning models for cardiac modelling and simulation.
• Tech: multi-modal fusion, physics-informed model, etc.

Candidate requirements.

• Being self-motivated and enthusiastic about AI for healthcare.
• Have a good first degree in computer science, biomedical engineering, applied statistics/mathematics, or any-related field.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in programming (Python, C++, etc) are preferred.

About Dr Lei Li.

Dr Li is a Lecturer at the School of Electronics & Computer Science, University of Southampton. Before joining Southampton, she was a Postdoc at the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford. Her research is about AI for healthcare, specifically focusing on medical image analysis, multi-modal fusion, and cardiac digital twins. She has already published 40+ papers in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, with 1200+ citations. She has been selected as the Rising Star of Women in Engineering by Asian Deans’ Forum 2023.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Lei Li, Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Email: ll1v23@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 5426

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Computer Science (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Lei Li

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk