An LLM-enhanced language-vision model for atrial fibrillation prevention with ECG record images and clinical data

Location:

Department of Computer Science, Streatham Campus, Exeter

and

Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, William Henry Duncan Building, Liverpool

The University of Exeter’s Department of Computer Science is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science (LCCS) and the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy to commence on 23 September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover Home or International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £19,237 for 3.5 years full-time study. The student would be based in the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the Streatham Campus in Exeter and expected to spend majority time (approximately 9 months per year) in Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, William Henry Duncan Building, University of Liverpool.

Project Description:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, posing significant clinical challenges due to its propensity for covert progression until precipitated by complications such as stroke. Thus, a critical imperative exists for early detection strategies, mainly through systematic screening initiatives targeting populations deemed at elevated risk. Common screening modalities encompass electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. The primary aim of this research endeavour is to leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) in a language-vision framework to mitigate the risk of AF utilising ECG image data digitised from paper records in conjunction with relevant clinical data.

This project is in partnership with Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science (LCCS). The successful PhD candidate will benefit from working with a multidisciplinary team in which there exists extensive experience in the areas of computer science, image processing, high performance computing, mathematics, and medicine. Dr Yanda Meng (Computer Vision, Medical Image Analysis, LLM), Prof Aline Villavicencio (Natural Language Processing, Large Language Model), Prof Yalin Zheng (AI in Healthcare), Prof Gregory Lip (Cardiovascular Medicine).

If you have any specific questions regarding this studentship, please contact Dr Yanda Meng at y.m.meng@exeter.ac.uk

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 3.5 years of full-time study to commence on 23 September 2024. The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding and other material support to the project, this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter. Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

For further information and to apply click here