The PSIBS Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) will focus on the development of the physical sciences of imaging and the computational analysis of image data to address key problems in the biological and biomedical sciences.The importance of Imaging to Bioscience and Medicine has been highlighted both by the N111 and the UK research councils.There is art apparent and growing need for people with these skills within UK industries with diverse business focuses (proposal section 3). This is reflected by their involvement in this PSIBS DTC and their contributions to the training.Two key benefits of training cohorts of students rather than individually funded students are: (1) The PSIBS multi-disciplinary taught programme that will upgrade the skill- and knowledge-base of traditional UK bachelors-level single-discipline graduates to underpin and enable cross-disciplinary PhD research. (ii) The students will develop extensive and cross-disciplinary links and networks, both with other PSIBS students and the many PSIBS academics, which will persist throughout their future research careers.Imaging technology is evolving faster than the standard grant turnaround time and dynamic, responsive PhD research within a critical mass of experts will enable (a) rapid response and (b) cutting edge research against our overseas competitors (proposal section 4).

The Warwick IMRC will be active in two focus sectors as followsIntelligent and Eco-Friendly VehiclesThe future of road transport will undoubtedly require vehicles to become more intelligent. This will reduce accidents, improve infrastructure utilisation thereby reducing congestion and minimise environmental impact through more efficient vehicle dynamics. The application of intelligence will allow major changes to the construction of vehicles and the reduction of unladen weight since structures to absorb impact damage will become redundant if collision avoidance systems are implemented. The research will investigate the impact on vehicle design, the technologies required, changes in manufacturing processes, final test implications and vehicle maintenance and upgrade throughout the product lifetime. In addition aspects of the driver -vehicle interface will be researched to minimise the impact on driver satisfaction . The work will also encompass aerospace applications in areas such as autonomous planes for military and commercial use.Lean HealthcareA major challenge for the healthcare industry is to deliver high quality care at the time of need at minimum cost and with maximum customer/supplier (patient/healthcare practitioner) satisfaction. There are many challenges that can be addressed through the application of design, technology and management processes. Many of the lessons learnt in other industries can be adapted to address these challenges and in particular the successes in lean manufacturing are especially relevant. Projects in this area will include hospital based initiatives such as robotically assisted surgery, primary care research in health centres and doctors surgeries, remote diagnostic systems applicable to the long-term ill living at home and the application of best practice in new product introduction to improve the roll-out and acceptance of innovation in the healthcare industry.