Health and Care Technologies
Turning cutting-edge research into impactful and practical solutions to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives, the NHS and health and care globally.
Who we are
The establishment of the Health and Care Technologies Global Research Institute aims to expedite the advancement of research, facilitating the swift integration of new technologies. Collaborating with industry, stakeholders, fellow academics and charities, we are dedicated to addressing significant global health challenges. Our goal is to deliver innovative, sustainable, and user-inspired solutions through a co-creative approach.
Operating across campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia, we partner with the health and care industry worldwide. Utilising our world-class facilities, we focus on developing new diagnostic tools and treatments, leveraging our expertise in research and engineering in collaboration with existing global research institutes.
Our initiative extends beyond research, as we actively bridge the gap from bench to bedside through the creation of spin-out companies. Additionally, we play a crucial role in influencing national policy decisions, supporting the growth of the next generation workforce, and fostering a collegiate, collaborative, and supportive academic community.
What will we deliver?
Our mission is to develop innovative solutions to the most pressing health challenges of our time, including cancer, chronic diseases, mental health, and global health threats, with a particular focus on improving patient care and health outcomes across the globe. Through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, we combine the expertise of engineers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to push the boundaries of what's possible in health and care engineering.
Our themes
Engineering the fight against cancer
Our research aims to revolutionise cancer care through advanced engineering, improving diagnostics, treatment, and monitoring for better patient outcomes. Collaborative innovation ensures patients access cutting-edge care.
Technologies for healthy ageing
Our Healthy Ageing initiative uses innovative engineering to extend quality life years. Decentralised, connected technologies empower senior citizens for prolonged independence and improved quality of life.
Digitising chronic disease management
Digitising chronic disease management uses digital tech to transform understanding, monitoring, and managing chronic diseases. Innovative sensing and data analysis offer insights and effective strategies for better management.
Digital mental health
The Digital Mental Health programme pioneers the use of digital technologies to advance the understanding, diagnosis, and management of mental health and neurodegenerative diseases. Bridging technology and psychology for better mental health outcomes.
One global health innovation
One global health innovation is dedicated to addressing pressing global health challenges through the lens of engineering excellence. We develop innovative technologies aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating emerging health threats.
Our research projects
Our research activity is driven by delivering real results with far-reaching impact spanning engineering and energy, physical, social and life sciences, business and design to areas as diverse as photonics to carbon capture to homelessness.
Fast, reliable diagnostic testing
Professor Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas, co-academic lead of the global research institute in Health and Care Technologies and microfluidic engineering expert, explains her lab's research into fast, reliable diagnostic testing and finding sustainable solutions for single-use tests.
Microsystems in Medicine
Dr Helen Bridle explains how, currently revolutionary, microsystems can be part of the every day in medicine.
Redesigning the pressure garment
Dr Lisa Macintyre explains how she developed a Pressure Garment Design Tool now used by companies all over the world.
Transcript
Sometimes these garments can be worn from a few weeks to years depending upon the condition. So, what can be done to balance clinical pressure with patient comfort? Our research at Heriot-Watt has enabled us to publish the first method for calculating pressure garment dimensions, using equations derived from fabric tension profiles as well as the patient's dimensions, to exert known pressures - to burn scars or the same theory applies for other conditions. From this, we developed a Pressure Garment Design Tool, which is now used by companies all over the world to make garments, meaning that more people can receive the long-term care they need.
Latest news
Read about our headline-making research and innovation.
Future Makers
From discovery to application, our pioneering research delivers results with global impact, helping to transform society, drive the economy and change lives.
For updates on Medical Technology
Contact us for collaboration opportunities