Technology and cognitive science

Wireless networks and ICT have already changed the field of technology, and there is potential to integrate them into cognitive science as well. The EU-funded project 'Cognitive-networks-enabled transnational proactive healthcare (Conhealth)' (CONHEALTH) has started building a consortium of researchers, students, academics and industry members to exchange knowledge about different aspects the field.

Due to the nature of the project, clinical trials will not be included. The research is simulation- and lab-based, and will provide insight into the design and planning of future trials. Research topics to be covered include cognitive radio and radar networks for optimising health care delivery; cognitive sensors for optimising health care delivery; and privacy and security solutions for cognitive networks in health care.

The project is divided into six phases. The first phase focuses on discussions about the framework of the project, with a review of potential scenarios, definitions and requirements. The second will investigate cognitive radio and radar networks for optimising health. During the third phase, researchers will lay out fundamental information of cognitive networks for optimising health care delivery. The fourth phase will study privacy and threats of security to cognitive networks.

During the fifth phase, researchers will design and develop a proof-of-concept cognitive network platform integrating information from the earlier phases. At the end of the project, findings will be consolidated and results disseminated.

Simulations and lab-based experimentation have begun. In addition, two workshops have been organised and more than 50 peer-reviewed papers have been published. Other accomplishments include identifying challenges and scenarios regarding networks and health monitoring systems, identifying an energy harvesting scheme, identifying a relaying scheme, optimising transmission strategies to improve privacy in wire channels, and analysing realistic channel models of receivers.

Project results have the potential to influence actual clinical trials on cognitive networks down the road. Progress in this area will ultimately enhance the relationship between technology and cognitive science.