Themes / projects
Student research projects
Environmental impacts and optimisation of prostate cancer pathway / deadline 31 July 2025
Lead supervisor: Professor Andrea Rockall
Co-supervisor: Dr Onesmus Mwabonje
Deadline for applications: 23:59 (BST) 31 July 2025
Note: Tuition fees will be covered at the UKRI rate (currently £5,006) and International candidates will be required to cover the remaining fees. International tuition fees are currently £45,850 per annum (in the Faculty of Medicine).
Project abstract: Greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare cause 5% of global emissions. Establishing sustainable diagnostic pathways that enhance early cancer diagnosis is key to emissions reduction. Using prostate cancer as a use case, working with Siemens, this project will apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and costing (LCC) approaches. A framework for improving the sustainability of diagnostic pathways will be developed, potentially reducing emissions and conserving resources whilst maintaining high standards of patient care.
Objectives:
- Comprehensive LCA/LCC of prostate cancer pathways (scope 1, 2 and3).
- Identify key stages in the diagnostic process with significant environmental impacts and compare with existing alternatives.
- Develop strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of these pathways, including optimising patient appointment scheduling, scanning protocols, one-stop diagnostic clinics, virtual/online clinics and patient travel routes.
- To assess the environmental impact and consider the mitigations available from of incorporating AI workflow/AI embedded in MR and low-field MR.
Y1: Review of literature; define current pathways. Develop LCA/LCC models for different aspects of the pathway (imaging, biopsy, consultations, initial treatment and follow-up) using existing databases. Advanced LCA training provided.
Y2: Model different mitigation strategies; impact of potential early detection (e.g. through screening programme).
Y3: Minimum 3 month work experience with Siemens in circularity, energy consumption & low carbon MRI. Design potential roadmap for prostate cancer screening programme in UK with MRI-on-wheels to serve regions to reduce patient travel.
Y4: 6 month write up and dissemination.