AI and data-driven strategies for decarbonisation in healthcare management

We are offering a self-funded PhD position with the Brunel Business School, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to drive decarbonisation efforts within healthcare management systems.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions about the project or would like to arrange an informal discussion, please reach out to Dr Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi at asieh.hosseinitabaghdehi@brunel.ac.uk.

Project description

This research project explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to drive decarbonisation efforts within healthcare management systems.

s the healthcare sector is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, this project aims to identify and implement innovative AI solutions that can optimise healthcare operations to reduce their environmental impact.

By leveraging AI-driven data analysis, the project focuses on areas such as energy management, resource allocation, sustainable supply chain practices, and waste reduction strategies.

It will investigate how AI technologies, including machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics, can be used to monitor and reduce energy consumption in healthcare facilities, improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and support the transition towards a greener, more sustainable healthcare system.

Additionally, this research will examine the role of digital health solutions, such as telemedicine and remote monitoring, in reducing the carbon footprint associated with patient care.

Through collaboration with healthcare providers and sustainability experts, the project will develop actionable frameworks for decarbonising healthcare and contribute to the creation of AI-driven tools that can be adopted worldwide to promote environmental sustainability in the healthcare sector.

Key focus areas

Explore the potential of AI and data-driven solutions in reducing carbon emissions within healthcare systems.
Identify AI applications that can optimize energy usage, improve resource management, and streamline operations in healthcare facilities.
Evaluate the effectiveness of digital health solutions, such as telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, in reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare services.
Develop a framework for healthcare organizations to adopt AI and data-driven strategies to decarbonise their operations.
Collaborate with healthcare institutions, sustainability experts, and AI developers to ensure practical and scalable solutions.

Expected outcomes

Development of AI-based tools and strategies for decarbonising healthcare management systems.
Creation of best practice guidelines for healthcare providers to integrate AI and data analytics for sustainability.
A clear understanding of how digital health solutions can reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable healthcare practices.
A comprehensive framework for healthcare organizations to adopt AI technologies in their decarbonisation efforts.
Contributions to policy recommendations and global sustainability standards in healthcare.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi - Dr Asieh Tabaghdehi is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Business Economy, and Programme Lead for the BSc International Business Programme and Trade2Grow Executive Education Programme at Brunel University of London, as well as, an economist and social impact advisor for the independent NGO, Social Innovation Movement. Asieh is a well-recognised academic in digital transformation, focusing on the strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to advance sustainable business practices and address critical social and economic challenges. From 2021 to 2022, Asieh co-investigated the Digital Footprint Project, funded by the UK Research Institute (UKRI), that explored the ethical implications of digital footprint data on value creation for SMEs. One of the project outputs was the Digital Business Auditing Framework, which has been adopted internationally for smart city initiatives. Asieh has attained an international reputation in the field of ethical integration and deployment of AI, particularly in the contexts of smart data governance. Her research integrates industry collaboration, public engagement, and policy dialogue with an emphasis on the social and economic dimensions of responsible smart city development and innovative healthcare systems. Asieh’s contributions have been widely cited in academic, practitioner, and policy outputs, and her research has informed national and international governments and businesses. Her research on connected technology has been presented as both written and oral evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee at the request of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and has been featured in national and international press. She is widely published in academic peer-reviewed journals, the press, is a frequent speaker at academic and industry conferences, and has responded to a number of policy inquiries at national and international level. She is also the author of the book Business Strategies and Ethical Challenges in the Digital Ecosystem, which addresses multiple facets of the AI ecosystem, including data ethics, governance, and innovation. In collaboration with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Asieh co-designed the "Digital Adoption" module for the UK Government’s Help to Grow Management program, aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of SMEs. Asieh is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, a member of the ESRC Review College, the British Academy of Management Review College, and the Energy Institute UK. She also serves as an associate practitioner at Social Value International, an associate member of the Big Innovation Centre, and All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)- Artificial Intelligence. She is also a member of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence: Social and Digital Innovation at Brunel University of London. Currently, Asieh serves as the Impact Lead at the Brunel Centre for AI, where she leads the capability area in the Future of Work. Asieh earned her PhD in Economics and Finance (2008) and MSc in International Money, Finance, and Investment (2015), both from Brunel University London. She joined Brunel in 2020 after holding academic positions at Regent’s University London, where she also served as Director for the BSc Global Management (Finance Pathway). Prior to her academic career, she gained industry experience as a business analyst, further enriching her interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching.