Advanced skills for data analytics in neurological diseases

Project Information

NeuroInsight

Grant agreement ID: 101034252

DOI

10.3030/101034252

EC signature date 7 April 2021

Start date 1 June 2021

End date 31 May 2027

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 4 854 960,00

EU contribution

€ 2 427 480,00

Coordinated by

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NeuroInsight (Advanced skills for data analytics in neurological diseases)

Reporting period: 2021-06-01 to 2023-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The NeuroInsight Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND Action Fellowship programme, led by RCSI, offers a combination of Incoming and Global, 24-months fellowships. We aim to recruit 33 Experienced Researchers (ERs), working at the interface of the two, world-leading Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centres; FutureNeuro and Insight.

The vision of NeuroInsight is to deliver a future generation of research leaders equipped with the skills to assemble, integrate and analyse(using machine and deep learning), a wide variety of data types to yield novel insights into high-definition precision medicine for neurological disorders. We offer to all Fellows programme-wide training in aspects of relevance , including advanced research skills, transferable skills and experience in other sectors including in industry and or/clinical settings. NeuroInsight intersectoral partners (industry, clinical and patient groups) take an active part in the Fellows’ progression, through compulsory intersectoral secondments, clinical events, interdisciplinary short visits and specialized training. NeuroInsight is patient-focused, prioritising their needs in training activities and research.

The NeuroInsight research themes (Ethnographics; Advanced Analytics; Genomics, Patient Impact) facilitate the application of machine and deep learning to large and growing datasets, in a manner that improves our understanding of human disease and ultimately, informs better healthcare. The ability of AI to detect patterns from large, complex datasets holds great promise for the datasets that FutureNeuro and other neuroscience researchers are producing. Patient participation is fundamental to the sustained collection of rich data and NeuroInsight incorporate co-design with PPI contributors at project concept as well as implementation stages. The first NeuroInsight theme is focused on understanding how people affected by neurological disease view data collection and sharing. This complements the second and third themes; advanced analytics and genomics, in precision medicine. The final theme (patient impact) is focused on more effective and efficient healthcare provision, using, where relevant (e.g. second intake of Fellows), findings that have emerged from other themes. In this context, cross-theme touch points exist that offer excellent interdisciplinary opportunities for coordination and synergies with large European research programmes.

As health-related datasets grow and become available for analysis and as new wearable and other sensors can generate even more patient data, significant opportunities are created for the application of machine learning, AI and other analytical approaches. Such analysis can help address questions related to the development of new treatments and inform on more efficient and effective running of our health care systems. In addition, through connected health initiatives, remote monitoring of patients outside of hospital facilitates, self-management and targeted intervention can become a reality. The net result of NeuroInsight will be research leaders equipped to transform the patient journey for people with chronic and rare neurological conditions.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

At this stage in the NeuroInsight programme, we are pleased to report that 17 (of 33) Fellowship positions have been accepted, with six Fellows in post and the remaining eleven initiating in the coming weeks and months.
In the early stage of the programme, the focus was largely on the administrative elements. NeuroInsight is fully committed to open, transparent and merit-based recruitment across its internationally advertised open calls for applications. The recruitment process followed four steps: advertising of the Calls, the submission of an application, a detailed international review and an interview of shortlisted candidates. Full guidance on the programme was prepared for the Calls, including guidance for applicants, their supervisors and reviewers and online briefing sessions for potential applicants. In parallel to this, an international recruitment drive for Expert Remote Reviewers was also undertaken. All applications were evaluated based on their scientific excellence, their proposed impact on the research and training development of the candidate and the impact on research and society more widely and on the quality of the proposed implementation of the individual research projects, to ensure the most ambitious - but realistic - research programmes. With six Fellows now in place, the research portfolio of the NeuroInsight programme is coming more sharply into focus. These highly qualified, ambitious researchers are working with their supervisory teams on a diverse range of projects covering areas such as the application of deep learning to help diagnosis of epilepsy from EEG data, the development of novel olignogenic models for motorneuron disease, and digital health tools for the management of multiple sclerosis. These researchers are also participating in network-wide training opportunities, aimed at developing their transferable skills and broadening their research opportunities.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

NeuroInsight is enhancing human resources at regional and national levels: Fellows are focusing on areas of great strategic importance to Ireland as set out on both the National Research Priority Areas, Ireland Smart Specialisation Strategy for Research and Innovation and Project Ireland 2040. NeuroInsight encompasses two (of six) major themes of Ireland’s Research Priority Areas (Health & ICT), while creating a convergence of enabling technologies that powerfully target six (of 14) national priority research areas (Future networks & communications, AI, Digital Platforms, Connected Health, Diagnostics and Therapeutics). By integrating research into national healthcare system for better patient outcomes, NeuroInsight is aiding Ireland’s recovery from the COVID19 crisis.

NeuroInsight is developing a unique cohort of excellent cross-disciplinary researchers who will enter the European workforce, driving innovation and enhancing European Industrial Competitiveness across the entire spectrum from Neurosciences to Data Analytics. We are developing researchers with the skills to accelerate the digital and ecological transformation of our societies, supporting Europe’s recovery from the COVID19 crisis. The NeuroInsight fellows are enhancing the international reputation of the participating institutions and building and extending networks of collaborators, establishing formal links with recognised leading institutes and cultivating a strong presence in Europe and beyond. This will have medium-term impact, via enhanced participation in projects, and long-term impact via benchmarking local strategy with Europe’s best.

At the level of individual Fellows, the research environment and dedicated training programme guarantees discipline specific training, cutting edge research programmes with state-of-the-art equipment access and training in their chosen field, as well as exposure to interdisciplinary research through exposure to the broad range of research interests of the Centres. Combined, these will contribute to the future employability of our Fellows, who will be able to establish themselves as world leaders in their chosen field and future career. Much of the research is at a relatively early stage, with the first group of Fellows only now reaching the end of their first year of work.

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