International appointment strengthens Lancaster University's digital health research

Lancaster University is strengthening its digital health research capability with the appointment of a global expert to a newly created role.

Professor Helal will work across Lancaster’s School of Computing and Communications, within the university’s Faculty of Science and Technology, as well as Lancaster’s Faculty of Health and Medicine.

“Professor Helal is joining us from the University of Florida and is a world-renowned expert in mobile and pervasive computing with special focus on smart health and well-being, smart homes, and assistive technology in support of personal health, ageing, disabilities and independence.”

In addition, Professor Helal is Editor in Chief of IEEE Computer, the flagship magazine of the IEEE Computer Society. He is also one of the co-founders and editorial board members of the IEEE Pervasive Computing Magazine. Professor Helal is a Fellow of the IEEE and a member of the IEEE Computer Society Board of Governors.

His digital health work has attracted media attention in the United States, including the New York Times, MIT Technology Review, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today and the Discovery Channel.

“I look forward to working with colleagues and students in both faculties as well as with the faculties’ leaderships to strengthen Lancaster University’s position and impact in digital health research, education, and innovation.” The appointment of a Chair in Digital Health is the latest strategic investment by the university in this area, in addition to the creation of the £41 million Health Innovation Campus as well as ongoing work by researchers in faculties, the Digital Health Forum and the Data Science Institute.