In this interview, Iasonas Triantis, Programme Director of the MSc in Biomedical Engineering with Data Analytics.
Academic interests and expertise
Can you tell us about your academic and research background?
I am a Reader in Medical Devices, and a member of the Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering (RCBE), at City St George's, University of London. I jointly lead the cross-faculty "Targeted Therapy Technology" Research Group, aiming to improve human health through personalised therapy for conditions like diabetes, neurofunctional conditions and chronic wounds.
In 2023, I was one of the sixteen awardees of the Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellowship. I conduct interdisciplinary research in innovative electroceuticals, biosensors and biomodulation technology, including medical devices for electromagnetic stimulation in implantable and wearable devices; bioimpedance diagnostics; and bio-dielectric spectroscopy. Alongside this, I have authored/co-authored more than 85 research documents, including journal and conference publications, book chapters, and patents.
How do you see your field evolving over the next decade?
Over the next decade, the field of biomedical engineering, and especially implantable and wearable medical devices are expected to evolve significantly through advancements in miniaturisation, biocompatibility, and intelligent control systems. Closed-loop and adaptive neurostimulation, powered by AI and machine learning, will enable personalised and context - aware interventions. Bioimpedance will play an increasing role in continuous, multi-modal physiological monitoring, while developments in wireless power transfer and energy harvesting will reduce the need for battery replacements in implantables/wearables.
Synergies with advances in cellular and molecular biology - such as stem cell integration and the growth of living cells on bioelectronic interfaces - will enable hybrid devices that promote tissue regeneration, improve biocompatibility, and facilitate dynamic, bioresponsive therapies. Integration with digital health infrastructures and regulatory adaptation will support wider clinical adoption, particularly in decentralised and resource-limited settings. This evolution will position these technologies at the forefront of precision medicine and human-machine integration.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students?
What I enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students is the opportunity to support their intellectual growth and see them develop confidence in their abilities. I find it especially rewarding to help students connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications, fostering both curiosity and critical thinking.
Mentoring also enables me to guide them towards successful careers in biomedical engineering, offering opportunities for doctoral study or research within our laboratories. In doing so, we help cultivate the next generation of talent in a field that ultimately serves to benefit humanity - saving lives or improving quality of life for people often suffering from serious, long-term medical conditions.
Why this course?
What makes this postgraduate programme unique within its field?
The MSc in Biomedical Engineering with Data Analytics is unique in its integrated philosophy of progressing from biology through technology to data, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the entire biomedical innovation pathway. It is the only course of its kind to combine in-depth insights into medical device design and regulation with advanced training in data analytics, equipping graduates with the interdisciplinary skills needed to address complex healthcare challenges.
With strong clinical and industrial links, opportunities for research within active academic groups, and a focus on real-world applications, the course prepares students to lead in both engineering and data-driven roles within the biomedical sector. The programme also includes elements of entrepreneurship, helping students develop the skills to translate innovative ideas into viable healthcare solutions.
What support is offered to help students transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study?
To support the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study, we offer a range of academic and pastoral support tailored to students’ individual needs. This includes introductory sessions on advanced study skills, regular personal tutoring, and access to workshops on academic writing, critical thinking, and research methods.
Students benefit from small-group teaching, responsive supervision, and close contact with lecturers, helping them build confidence and adapt to the expectations of Master’s-level learning. They also have access to our Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering (RCBE) and our interdisciplinary research group, 3T, which brings together experts in medical electronics, digital twin technologies, biomodelling simulations, biology, and data analytics - enriching their learning and providing opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.
Finally, students will get the opportunity to employ their theoretical undergraduate knowledge to real-world problems through the degree’s projects that can include research, clinical or industrial partnerships.
Are there opportunities for networking with alumni or industry professionals during the course?
Yes, students on the course have multiple opportunities to network with alumni and industry professionals through guest lectures, industry-led seminars, and collaborative project work. The programme benefits from strong links with the medical technology sector, including researchers, healthcare providers, and industry experts, who regularly engage with students through talks, site visits, and mentoring. In addition, alumni events and professional development workshops provide valuable insights into career pathways and allow students to build connections that support their future in biomedical engineering.
Career paths
How does the programme help students develop skills for their future careers, whether in academia or industry?
The programme equips students with a strong foundation in both the technical and analytical skills essential for careers in academia or industry. Through a combination of hands-on laboratory and/or simulation work, and a substantial research dissertation, students develop practical expertise, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
The integration of medical device knowledge with data analytics prepares graduates for emerging roles in digital health and MedTech innovation. Professional skills such as scientific communication, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration are embedded throughout the course, ensuring that students are well-prepared to thrive in research environments, clinical settings, or the biomedical engineering industry. The programme also incorporates elements of entrepreneurship, enabling students to explore innovation pathways and understand how to bring biomedical technologies to market.
What career paths have graduates from this programme typically followed?
The programme has been designed in close consultation with industry and academic partners to align with current and emerging needs in the biomedical engineering sector. Graduates are expected to pursue careers in medical device development, health data analytics, digital health innovation, regulatory affairs, and clinical engineering, as well as further study at doctoral level. The programme’s strong interdisciplinary focus and emphasis on real-world applications will prepare students for a wide range of roles across both academia and industry.
Tips for offer holders
If you could highlight one thing that students should look forward to in this programme, what would it be?
One of the most exciting aspects of this programme is the opportunity to work at the intersection of medical technology and data science - gaining hands-on experience with real-world biomedical challenges while developing skills that are increasingly in demand across the sector. Students can look forward to engaging with cutting-edge research, working alongside experts in medical devices and health data analytics, and contributing to innovations that have the potential to improve patient outcomes and transform healthcare delivery.
What advice would you offer to offer holders as they prepare to join this course?
My advice to offer holders would be to begin engaging with both the engineering and data aspects of biomedical innovation - brushing up on key concepts in electronic engineering principles, programming, and mathematics will help you make the most of the course from the outset.
Stay curious and open to interdisciplinary thinking, as the programme brings together knowledge from biology, technology, and data analytics. Finally, come prepared to participate actively in group work, problem-solving, and project-based learning, as these are central to both your academic development and future professional success.