Dr Ian Cleland

Overview

My research focuses on creating innovative digital health solutions by combining wearable, pervasive, and mobile computing with data science and artificial intelligence. This work aims to transform healthcare by enabling personalised monitoring and intervention and promoting proactive care.

I have a deep interest in sensor-based activity recognition and synthetic data generation for data driven modelling. These technologies are advancing critical areas like patient monitoring, rehabilitation, and technology enabled care, with future developments aimed at making healthcare even more responsive and predictive.

I received my B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Ulster University, where I now serve as Research Director for the School of Computing. Previously, as Postgraduate Tutor (2018–2024), I supported the academic journey of approximately 55 PhD researchers each academic year. As the lead for Human-Computer Interaction research within the Pervasive Computing Research Centre, I’m committed to advancing digital health and developing impactful technologies.

I have authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications in top health informatics forums and secured more than £20M in research funding as both Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator. Notably, I am Co-Investigator for the Connected Health Innovation Centre (CHIC Phase 2, £3.36M) and the PwC Advanced Engineering and Research Centre (ARC, £3.13M). I currently serve as Co-Chair for the International Conference on Ambient Intelligence (UCAmI2024) and Vice Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Technology and Dementia Executive Committee.

Research Opportunities