Biomedical Imaging and Technology

Information on the research and impact of biomedical imaging and technology at the University of Dundee.

On this page

BITech specialises in the application of imaging and technology to medicine and the life sciences. Research within the cluster ranges from the fundamental (complex photonics and fluorescence lifetime imaging) to the highly applied (orthotics and cancer diagnostics), supported by a range of state-of-the-art laboratories (including laser labs, Thiel-cadaver facilities, clinical imaging and image guided therapy facilities in PET-CT and MRI).

The cluster is highly interdisciplinary with expertise across optical imaging and microscopy, ultrasound, endoscopy, biomechanics, neurophysiology and clinical & functional anatomy. Members include anatomists, physicists, biomedical engineers, electronic engineers, mechanical engineers, physiologists, surgeons, radiologists and microscopists. This broad set of backgrounds fosters innovative solutions to real-life problems.

BITech is also part of the Centre for Medical Engineering and Technology (CMET), a joint centre with the School of Medicine, which greatly expands the fruitful research and knowledge-exchange activities across the two schools.

Impact

The cluster runs an extensive portfolio of activities with companies and external partners including: Moor Instruments, Optos, M Squared Lasers and the NHS, currently supported through KTPs, CDTs and joint grants.

Our scientists and engineers work directly with clinical staff, including surgeons and radiologists, and have extensive experience in translating research into clinical trials facilitated by expertise in ISO-certification.

An example of direct impact that the cluster has generated is the work in ultrasound elastography, which has directly influenced international guidelines for clinical use within both World and European Federations for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology and is in use for breast and prostate cancer screening in NHS-Tayside.

BITech participate in the £25m “Growing the Tay Cities Biomedical Cluster” project, which includes investment to create a Medical Technologies environment where new technologies can be developed, providing a pipeline of investment opportunities to create new spin-out companies and to attract industrial partners to co-locate in the University and develop their research and development potential. BITech and CMET are active members of BioDundee, Dundee's life sciences and healthcare partnership between the public, private, academic and third sector organisations.

Contribution to the strategic themes

Enhancing human health and wellbeing

  • Innovation and translation of medical technologies, providing solutions that improve the complete patient journey
  • Diagnostics, prognostics, treatment planning, novel minimally-invasive therapies, robotic surgeries and infection control, monitoring of recovery and rehabilitation
  • At-home and point-of-care healthcare provision, particularly for ageing populations

Research cluster lead

Membership