About us

Our Centre for Doctoral Training stands at the intersection of AI, biomedicine and social sciences.

The UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Biomedical Artificial Intelligence developed from the realisation that AI technologies will play a central role leveraging data to transform our understanding and practice of biomedicine. Delivering such a step change required training a new cadre of scientists operating at the intersection of computer science and biomedicine, building effective ethical AI systems, and empowering scientists and users alike.

Between 2019 and 2024, the CDT recruited 58 students who embarked on a 4-year interdisciplinary training programme covering technical AI skills, biomedical foundations and social aspects of Biomedical AI. In Year 1 students worked towards a Master by Research, undertaking a number of taught courses and taster research projects to broaden and refine their skills and explore different research areas. In Year 2-4 students developed and pursued an interdisciplinary PhD project.

Fully funded studentships offered the freedom to study for 4 years with a generous allowance for travel and research costs, as well as disability allowance and other benefits.

The CDT in Biomedical AI enjoyed a long history of collaboration between several centres of excellence within the University that carries on with the new CDT AI4BI:

  • School of Informatics
  • School of Biological Sciences
  • Institute of Genetics and Cancer
  • Usher Institute of Population Health Science and Informatics
  • School of Social and Political Sciences

Together, these institutes continue to provide a unique breadth and depth of expertise, as well as state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities, to support CDT cohorts. Additionally, leading clinical, industrial and international academic partners contributed towards students' development by providing opportunities for hands-on application in a broad variety of contexts.  Some of our collaborator internships included Anthropic, Google, AstraZeneca, Roche, Helmholtz-Munich, glaxosmithkline pharmaceuticals ltd to name a few.

Why biomedical AI?

Delivering healthcare that meets the needs of a growing and ageing population is a defining scientific and social challenge for the twenty-first century.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The CDT in Biomedical AI has been committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where everybody felt supported and respected.

Participating institutes

University of Edinburgh has a long-standing reputation for excellence across the spectrum of disciplines related to biomedical AI.

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