In Conversation with IPEM's CSC SIG
Clinical and Scientific Computing is one of the fastest-evolving areas within medical physics and clinical engineering. From AI implementation to digital governance and open-source software, the profession sits at the heart of healthcare’s digital transformation.
IPEM CEO Gill Collinson recently spoke with Josh Kirby, Chair of the Clinical and Scientific Computing SIG, about the challenges facing the field, the opportunities ahead, and how IPEM can better support members working at the digital-clinical interface.
About Josh Kirby
Josh Kirby is a Lead Clinical Scientist at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Originally trained through the Scientist Training Programme (STP), Josh works primarily in radiotherapy physics, where he also serves as the department’s Clinical Computing Lead.
Like many in this area, his computing role is embedded within a broader clinical position, reflecting one of the key challenges for the profession: clinical scientific computing often lacks a clearly defined, standalone identity.
“The role looks different in every Trust”
Gill began by asking Josh about the evolution of the SIG and why interest in clinical scientific computing has grown so rapidly. “Healthcare is increasingly digital,” Josh explains. “But the role of the clinical scientific computing specialist varies enormously. Some Trusts have dedicated teams. Others have one or two people with computing responsibilities alongside their clinical role. And in some places, it’s simply part of someone’s existing job.”
This variation makes workforce planning difficult. While many departments recognise the need for dedicated digital expertise, creating new posts is challenging particularly in the current financial climate.
“Trusts are under pressure. It’s difficult to create new roles when budgets are tight. And you need evidence to justify a post, but without a post, it’s hard to generate that evidence.”
Training capacity presents another constraint. There are currently limited training centres offering clinical scientific computing pathways, and national provision is struggling to meet demand.
Raising Visibility Beyond the “Echo Chamber”
One of the SIG’s priorities is expanding awareness of the profession beyond traditional IPEM audiences.
“Digital teams in Trusts often assume that healthcare IT will be delivered by IT departments alone,” Josh says. “There’s sometimes a gap between clinical, technical and digital teams, and clinical scientists can help bridge that.”
The SIG is exploring the development of a vision paper to articulate why clinical scientists are uniquely placed to contribute to digital health initiatives. The ambition is to publish in mainstream digital health journals and present at wider digital forums, reaching audiences beyond IPEM’s existing networks.
This aligns with broader NHS digital transformation plans, including the increasing importance of clinical safety roles under standards such as DCB 0129/0160 While IPEM has supported members through dedicated training initiatives, Josh notes that external awareness of this capability remains limited.
Webinars, Accessibility and Community
Over recent years, the SIG has expanded its webinar programme, a move that has significantly increased engagement.
“Webinars allow us to connect with hundreds of members, compared to dozens at an in-person symposium. And importantly, they’re free.”
With many Trusts freezing study leave and CPD budgets, accessible online engagement has become critical.
The SIG meets monthly, shorter, more frequent virtual meetings that maintain momentum while accommodating busy clinical schedules.
“If you miss one meeting, it’s not the end of the world. There’s another in a few weeks.”
This approach has helped maintain a stable and active core membership.
Open Source, Regulation and Realistic Expectations
A recurring request from members has been the development and sharing of open-source clinical software tools for example, image analysis tools or radiotherapy quality control systems.
However, regulatory requirements, intellectual property considerations and liability issues create significant barriers.
“People sometimes ask why IPEM doesn’t just host or maintain shared software solutions. But medical device regulation, IP and liability make that extremely complex.”
This highlights the tension between what is technically possible and what is appropriate for a professional body to undertake.
Strengthening Cross-Professional Collaboration
Gill shared her ambition to strengthen strategic partnerships with other professional bodies across healthcare. Josh emphasised that meaningful collaboration must translate into practical impact at Trust level.
“Better connection with other professions is key. Clinical scientists need visibility within digital transformation programmes. But that has to work within the structural differences across Trusts.”
There is particular opportunity in positioning clinical scientists as leaders in AI implementation and digital safety — areas where technical and clinical understanding intersect.
Looking Ahead
The Clinical and Scientific Computing SIG continues to:
- Expand its webinar and knowledge-sharing programme
- Develop a vision paper to articulate the profession’s role in digital healthcare
- Engage with workforce and training challenges
- Promote collaboration between clinical, IT and digital teams
- Support members navigating regulatory and governance complexities
For Josh, the goal is clear:
“We need to ensure clinical scientists are recognised as essential contributors to digital healthcare, not just participants, but leaders.”
As healthcare continues its rapid digital evolution, the expertise of clinical scientific computing specialists will only become more critical.
If you are interested in getting involved with the Clinical and Scientific Computing SIG, look out for upcoming webinars and calls for participation via IPEM communications.