IT Innovation data scientists part of team shortlisted for IET Award.

The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) has shortlisted REFORMIST project for its Engineers in Society Award. The project, titled ’Mirrored Decision Framework for Multidisciplinary Teams in Oesophageal Cancer,’ aims to revolutionise oesophageal cancer treatment decisions using artificial intelligence (AI) and was funded by the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (TAS) Hub.

Running from April 2023 to August 2024, the REFORMIST project brought together an interdisciplinary team of experts, including specialists in cancer research, surgery, radiology, computer science, public health, and patient advocacy. Their goal was to tackle the rising challenges faced by multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) managing increasing caseloads and time constraints.

The AI model developed by the REFORMIST team, including IT Innovation researchers Dr Dan Burns and Jakub Dylag, is designed to support healthcare professionals by integrating machine learning to enhance treatment outcomes and address health inequalities.

Led by Dr. Ganesh Vigneswaran, the REFORMIST team is one of eight finalists for the IET Engineers in Society Award, which recognises engineering teams worldwide that have made a significant societal impact. This year’s winners will be announced at the IET Excellence and Innovation Awards Ceremony on 4 December 2024 in Birmingham.

Ganesh expressed his excitement about the shortlisting

“It is really exciting to see that our teamwork is being recognised. We celebrate the diversity and impact of our team which encompasses specialists in Oesophageal Cancer Research, surgery, radiology, computer sciences, public health, patient advocates and AI to tackle critical challenges faced by multidisciplinary teams to improve patient care.”

Professor Gopal Ramchurn, TAS Hub Director, praised the project’s use of AI in cancer care:

“This project looked to integrate AI into the cancer care process in a way that ensured it was trusted by the clinicians and patients alike. Oesophageal cancer is one of the worst cancers with very limited treatment options, and we need to do our best to help patients recover and extend their quality of life. AI will play a key role in this in future.”

lHe added:

“This award is a great recognition of the team effort led by Southampton researchers and the TAS Hub . I am very pleased for the team and for the TAS community at large."

Looking ahead, the REFORMIST team plans to deploy their AI model in 'shadow mode' at University Hospital Southampton later this year. In this phase, the model will operate behind the scenes to evaluate its real-world performance without influencing treatment decisions.