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.
Accelerating innovation
The objective of establishing a global research institute in Health and Care Technologies is to accelerate the development of research for the rapid adoption of new technologies.
Working in a spirit of co-creation with industry, stakeholders, fellow academics and charities we are addressing some of the most significant global health challenges to deliver innovative, sustainable, and user-inspired solutions.
We are taking research from bench to bedside in the form of spin-out companies, helping to influence national policy decisions, supporting the development of the next generation workforce, and aiming to be an exemplar of a collegiate, collaborative and supportive academic community.
How do we do this?
We are developing research at our campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia, in partnership with the health and care industry worldwide.
We make best use of our world-class facilities to develop new diagnostics tools and treatments, by applying our expertise in research and engineering to work collaboratively with colleagues in our existing global research institutes.
Health and Care Technologies focuses on five key global health challenges: engineering the fight against cancer; developing technologies for healthy ageing; digitising chronic disease management; innovating for one global health; developing technologies to diagnose and manage mental health and neurodegenerative diseases.
Research projects
Read more about the latest projects in our medical technology and healthcare engineering portfolio.
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.
Future Makers
From discovery to application, our pioneering research delivers results with global impact, helping to transform society, drive the economy and change lives.
Our impact
Our research activity is driven by delivering real results with far-reaching impact.
Our interdiscplinary research spans engineering and energy, physical, social and life sciences, business and design, in areas as diverse as photonics to carbon capture to homelessness.
Latest news
Read about our headline-making research and innovation.
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