SINAPSE is delighted to announce that we have secured a total of £8,200 to support research exchange visits across Scotland. These visits aim to foster interdisciplinary partnerships and encourage knowledge sharing between the quantum and healthcare researchers. This collaborative initiative will not only help shape the future direction of research but also advance the development of quantum technologies for clinical applications.
To kick off the exchange program, SINAPSE will host the Quantum Healthcare Fund Matching Webinar on May 14th, 2025. This webinar invites researchers from both fields to connect, share their work, and explore opportunities for research visits. During registration, participants will submit a brief research bio, which will be used to create a delegate booklet to be distributed ahead of the event. At the webinar, attendees will take part in research pitch-style presentations and facilitated breakout sessions designed to spark discussion and identify potential collaborations. Following the webinar, researchers will be invited to express their interest and arrange research visits across Scotland.
Key details:
- Expression of Interest: Researchers interested in participating must register for the online webinar. During registration, they will be asked to upload a Research Bio Form to be included in the delegate booklet.
- You can register here.
- Registration Deadline: May 7th, 2025.
- Award Information: Make sure you read the Award Information before registering for the webinar.
- Attendee presentation: Each attendee is expected to give a 3-5min research pitch-style presentation during the webinar to facilitate networking.
Contact Information: Dr. Katerina Pappa, SINAPSE Operations Manager
Provisional Agenda (Please note: subject to change)
| 10.00-10.15: |
Introduction from SINAPSE – Overview of award specifics |
| 10.15-11.15: |
Attendee Presentations – 3-5 minute research pitch-style talks |
| 11.15 – 11.30 |
Q&A |
| 11.30-12.00: |
Breakout Sessions – Facilitated networking opportunities |
| 12.00-12.15: | Online Form Completion – Indicate interest in potential collaborations (e.g., researchers you’d like to work with or visit) |
Background:
Project Title: Advancing Healthcare through Quantum Technologies: Collaborative Research Visits Promoting Interdisciplinary Work
In November 2024, the Quantum Arc and the Brain Health Arc hosted the Quantum Healthcare Research Summit in Stirling, which explored the integration of quantum technologies into clinical pathways. SINAPSE attended to assess how quantum technologies could enhance clinical practices. SINAPSE showcased the state-of-the art imaging facilities available across our network and identified areas where quantum technologies could potentially improve performance further, enhance human imaging capability and advance clinical diagnoses and treatment monitoring. While the Summit highlighted a shared ambition to translate quantum technologies into clinical settings, it also revealed a gap in understanding between cutting-edge quantum technologies and medical imaging research. In response, SINAPSE proposed a research exchange program designed to bridge this gap by fostering collaborations between quantum technology researchers and healthcare imaging labs.
Outcome:
SINAPSE secured a total of £8,200 to facilitate research exchange visits that will promote interdisciplinary partnerships and create opportunities for knowledge sharing between the quantum technology and healthcare sectors. This collaborative effort will not only influence the direction of future research but will also help drive forward the development of quantum technologies for clinical applications.
Key Features:
Matching Webinar: To initiate the exchange program, SINAPSE will host an online matching webinar on May 14th, 2025. This webinar will provide an opportunity for researchers from both fields to connect, share their work, and explore potential research visit opportunities. During registration, participants will be asked to submit a brief research bio, which will be used to create a delegate booklet to be shared ahead of the event.
Research Exchange Visits: Funded visits between quantum and healthcare imaging researchers (up to 5 days) will allow for direct knowledge transfer and foster potential long-term collaborations. Examples of potential activities may include: showcasing host department facilities, introducing visitors to key staff, colleagues, and students, observing experimental or clinical imaging sessions, discussing research challenges and identifying synergies, exploring potential applications of quantum technologies in patient care and attending joint talks to discuss advancements in both fields.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Researchers from both quantum and healthcare imaging sectors are eligible to apply.
- Priority will be given to Early Career Researchers (ECRs).
- All visits must be completed by September 2025.
Conditions:
- Research visits will take place within Scotland.
- The duration of each visit will be up to 5 days, with flexible scheduling.
- A short report must be submitted to Dr. Pappa within two weeks of completing the visit and again at 12 months to track collaboration outcomes.
Funding Reimbursement:
- Accommodation: Maximum £100 per night for up to 5 nights.
- Travel: Maximum £70 for travel expenses on average. *
- Subsistence: Maximum £50 per day.
*This is based on the average travel expenses across Scotland. We understand that some individuals traveling expenses may incur costs below £70, while others may exceed £70. Participants are expected to travel at economy rate.