Dr Claire L. Walsh

I am a Principal Research Fellow at the UCL Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Director of the Human Organ Atlas Hub (HOAHub) and Co-director of the Hierarchical Phase-Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT) research team.

Throughout my research career I have always had a focus on 3D imaging to understand and validate models of human physiology. Following on from My PhD, my expertise in multi-modal imaging and machine learning (ML) began with an MRC Skills Development Fellowship in 2018, during which I developed a fluorescent imaging technique and specialized in ML segmentation methods for 3D imaging modalities. Recognizing the importance of training data quality and evaluation metrics, I focused on understanding how sample preparation, image acquisition and training data availability impact ML efficacy, particularly in vascular network segmentation. This work led to the creation of open-access 3D training datasets and vascular-specific metrics, culminating in the development of the first large validated training dataset for HiP-CT data. These data were used for a Kaggle competition with over 1400 participants to develop ML models for vascular segmentation. I joined Prof. Lee’s team in 2020, to develop a novel synchrotron X-ray tomography technique- HiP-CT.

Since 2021, I have taken an increasing leadership role in our efforts to develop the HiP-CT technique and build the HiP-CT community through dataset publications, protocol dissemination, and the establishment of the HOAHub. The HOAHub - a consortium of 9 institutions dedicated to the open dissemination of HiP-CT imaging and Open FAIR HiP-CT data has made significant strides in scanning and dissemination of HiP-CT and The Human Organ Atlas portal provides open access datasets that can and have been used by scientists from around the world. My career demonstrates my focus on X-ray and multi-modal imaging alongside my development of cutting-edge image analysis pipelines. I have a long-standing dedication to open science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge. I have always been committed to building an open, supportive, and innovative scientific ecosystem.