University Of Sheffield’s AI brain imaging technology given £463K funding boost

A University of Sheffield project harnessing AI-driven magnetic resonance (MR) neuroimaging technology that identifies biomarkers and has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of chronic nerve pain, has secured a significant funding injection, a grant of £463,000 from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Chronic pain, stemming from nervous system injuries, afflicts approximately one in 10 adults over the age of 30 in the UK. It subjects patients to persistent sensations of burning, aching, or electric-shock-like pains in their extremities and results in individuals having challenges in performing even the most basic daily activities.

This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Dinesh Selvarajah, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sheffield’s School of Medicine and Population Health, is specifically designed to accelerate the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

Dr. Selvarajah said: “Chronic pain is a major unmet global health challenge. One in 10 adults over the age of 30 are affected by chronic nerve pain. Worryingly, this is expected to increase due to an ageing population, rising cases of diabetes, and improved cancer survival. Unfortunately, current medications provide only partial benefit in around half of all patients, with many enduring inadequate pain relief and unwanted side effects. Over the past 25 years, there has been a lack of new drugs that are more effective than the ones currently in use for treating chronic nerve pain.”

The financial support will enable Dr. Selvarajah and his accomplished team at the University of Sheffield’s Insigneo Institute to conduct external validation of their pioneering approach. This validation could open doors to more extensive and efficacious chronic nerve pain treatment, showcasing the real-world impact that artificial intelligence is making in the field of healthcare.

The funding awarded to the University of Sheffield is part of £13 million being channelled into research that will deliver cutting-edge AI innovation in healthcare. The cash boost will support everything from the development of a semi-autonomous surgical robotics platform for the removal of tumours, to the ability to predict the likelihood of a person’s future health problems based on their existing conditions – showcasing the real-world impact artificial intelligence is having.