Shamima Rahman, a PhD researcher at the University of Leeds, has been awarded the WCIT Charity’s inaugural WCIT Bursary in Tech.
The £5,000 grant will support Shamima in her second year of research into AI-driven medical diagnostic tools, specifically using deep learning to improve the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.
Melanoma is a highly aggressive and malignant form of skin cancer, and for patients diagnosed with metastatic (stage IV) melanoma, the prognosis remains poor. Comparatively, patients diagnosed with earlier stages of the disease have significantly higher survival rates.
Shamima’s research aims to combine image, clinical and genetic data to develop multi-modal deep learning-based techniques for improved histopathological insights into melanoma, which will better support the subjective and time-consuming human assessments of skin tissue.
The research strongly aligns with the WCIT Charity’s mission to use the power of tech for good by seeking to improve medical diagnostics and personalised treatment strategies. Stefan Fafinski DL, Chair of the WCIT Charity, said the research had stood out among the other bursary applications for the meaningful contribution it will make to both technology and medicine. “We really look forward to seeing how Shamima’s research progresses and are delighted to be supporting her in this work.”
Shamima has also been given complementary membership as the first WCIT Journeyman Scholar, which will give her access to exceptional professional support and the opportunity to be involved with the activities of a modern Livery Company during the final three years of her studies.
On receiving the bursary, Shamima said: “I am honoured to receive the WCIT Bursary in Tech. This support will allow me to continue my research into AI-driven tools for diagnosing melanoma, a cause that is important to me. The bursary will aid me in developing techniques that could make a sizeable difference in how this aggressive cancer is monitored and treated. I am also thrilled to become a part of the WCIT community as a Journeyman Scholar. I am looking forward to learning from and connecting with others who are passionate about using technology for good. Thank you to the WCIT Charity for this opportunity.”
Bursary recipient Shamima Rahman
