As we mark Vasculitis Awareness Month, we are proud to share that NIHR Leeds BRC has partnered with Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) on a new data study on giant cell arteritis (GCA), as part of a programme to foster talent in upcoming data scientists.
The project focused on analysing proteins to better understand, diagnose, and treat GCA. It forms part of the research delivered through the BRC’s collaboration with LIDA via the Data Scientist Development Programme (DSDP).
This capacity-building initiative is designed to launch entry-level data scientists and career changers into the data science workforce by giving them ownership of defined six-month research projects addressing real-world challenges for public benefit.
The collaboration between NIHR Leeds BRC’s Professor Ann Morgan and data scientist Precious-Gift Alele exemplifies our commitment to fostering talent, encouraging collaboration, and driving scientific excellence.
Precious-Gift said: “The DSDP GCA project, funded in part by the BRC has been central to building my data science skills. It provided an environment where I could apply data science to healthcare challenges with the potential of improving care delivery and patient outcomes. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a complex condition that can have serious impact on patients’ lives, so the highlight for me has been seeing how this work could potentially support better care for patients living with GCA, and the possibility of strengthening health and care research capabilities through more collaborations like this.”
Professor Ann Morgan added: “There is a national shortage of data scientists working in health care. Programmes such as DSDP are essential if we want to realise the ambitions of making earlier and more accurate diagnoses and delivering personalised care.”