Leicester-Apollo conference explores research collaborations to improve the health of the UK, India and beyond

Research which could help to transform healthcare delivery in the UK, India and globally was showcased at conference held at the University of Leicester.

The conference, held in conjunction with Leicester’s partner in India, Apollo Healthcare, was the first major event to feature experts from the newly-formed Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine (CDHPM).

Set up in 2025, the CDHPM is a venture between the University of Leicester, The Apollo University and Apollo Hospitals. It brings together the research expertise and resources of the partners to revolutionise patient care, by developing novel digital and personalised solutions using advanced analytical approaches.

The University of Leicester-Apollo Healthcare Conference 2026, held on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 July, saw leading clinicians, researchers, healthcare executives and innovators from the UK and the subcontinent converge on campus to discuss improving people’s health and wellbeing through applied research.

The conference had a particular emphasis on the transformative role of AI in healthcare, including presentations on AI applications in orthopaedics, uterine cancer and mesothelioma management. Experts also explored how AI technologies can be translated into meaningful improvements in patient care and clinical outcomes.

Beyond AI innovation, discussions between leading academics and healthcare professionals across both institutions also took in health inequalities, multiple long-term conditions, healthy ageing, environmental health and preventative care. The long-term objective of the conference is to strengthen international research collaboration between Leicester and Apollo, with a focus on cardiovascular health, respiratory disease and infection, lifestyle and metabolic health, and cancer prevention.

Professor of Cardiology at Leicester and CDHPM Co-Director, Sir Nilesh Samani, said: “It was great to see this inaugural Leicester-Apollo conference take place and to have the opportunity to discuss major health issues affecting patients in both UK and India and how these can be tackled through innovative approaches, including AI. The conference also provided a fantastic opportunity for clinicians and researchers from the University and Apollo to get to know each other better and to plan new collaborative research projects.”

One of the driving figures behind the conference was Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Life Sciences at the University, Professor Tom Robinson.

He said: “The University has a multi-faceted partnership with Apollo including 2+1 articulation programmes, where students spend two years at The Apollo University in Chittoor and their final year at the University of Leicester; 2+2 programme, where medical doctors undertake two years training in the Apollo hospitals and a further two years training in the NHS whilst undertaking a University of Leicester Masters degree; and a 0+1 programme, where nurses from India undertake a Masters degree in International Mental Health Nursing at the University of Leicester.

‘However, the unique and important part of our partnership is the development and integration of novel research findings into clinical practice that is built on our joint Centre of Digital Health and Precision Medicine. The ultimate aim of the conference is to engage clinicians in both organisations with the value of the Centre.”

Joining the raft of experts in attendance at the conference was Dr Sujoy Kar, the Chief Medical Information Officer and Vice President at Apollo Hospitals Group and Co-director of CDHPM.

He said: “At the Centre for Digital Health & Precision Medicine, we are transforming healthcare by combining clinical excellence, rigorous science, and responsible artificial intelligence to deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes worldwide.”

Dr Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals, said: “Apollo’s partnership with the University of Leicester combines complementary strengths in academia, research, and clinical practice, creating an enduring platform for innovation, education, and improved patient outcomes.”

The University of Leicester-Apollo strategic partnership was formed in 2023 to allow the partners to collaborate on healthcare, data science, education, research, and workforce development initiatives aimed at improving global healthcare outcomes.

Leicester and Apollo’s partnership is centred on precision medicine, healthcare data science, respiratory/cardiovascular/diabetes research, and healthcare workforce innovation, with the goal of transforming healthcare delivery in the UK, India and globally.