The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Health has announced a strategic partnership with OPORA Health, a company transforming patient data research for underserved groups with Ethical AI technology. This collaboration aims to develop, validate, and deploy innovative data collection tools for digital trials, focusing on mental health and cognitive decline in challenging environments such as war-affected regions and older populations.
Advancing Brain Health with Ethical AI Technology
Leveraging OPORA Health’s expertise in building secure and compliant digital data platforms, the partnership will co-design and implement a suite of tools featuring data quality and compliance validation algorithms, mobile apps, and AI data analytics models. These advanced, customised technologies will empower researchers within the Brain Health Centre community.
Research Collaboration on Mental Health in War-Affected Populations
The partnership will also support expanding practical research in mental health and cognitive decline. We will collaborate on a pilot with the goal to enhance the understanding and treatment of mental health issues arising from war and trauma in Ukraine, contributing to the broader mission of preventing cognitive impairment and promoting brain health.
Leadership Perspective
“We are excited to join forces with OPORA Health to advance brain health research in challenging environments," said Professor Dag Aarsland, Director of the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Health. “By combining our expertise with OPORA Health’s innovative AI technology we aim to make a significant impact on preventing cognitive decline and supporting mental health across diverse communities."
“This partnership marks an important step in advancing brain health research”, said Svitlana Surodina, Co-founder and CEO of OPORA Health. “Our platform is uniquely designed to meet the needs of researchers operating in complex, resource-limited environments. We are eager to contribute to the global advancement of brain health through this partnership."
About The Centre
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Health advances brain health and dementia research. Located at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and the University of Exeter, the Centre accelerates healthcare technologies. Led by Professors Dag Aarsland and Clive Ballard, it focuses on three themes covering prevention, early diagnosis using innovative methods like brain scanning and blood sampling, and enhancing care for severe dementia. The multidisciplinary team collaborates with academia, national bodies like NICE and MHRA, industry partners, and non-profits to swiftly benefit patients while promoting equality and inclusion.