by Kerstin Nothnagel, Postgraduate researcher and PhD student, Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol

I’m a doctoral researcher in the second year of my PhD at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, focusing on something that feels very timely—and occasionally, just a bit sci-fi: how artificial intelligence can change the way we diagnose and treat illness.

My research lives in the real-world space of primary care, where many diagnostic gaps still exist. One of the things I’m investigating is whether AI-guided ultrasound can support GPs and nurses in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) right at the clinic—or even in patients’ homes—without requiring specialist ultrasound skills.

With step-by-step AI guidance and image uploads to a cloud dashboard for remote specialist input, we could speed up diagnosis, reduce complications like pulmonary embolism, and skip the often long and stressful wait for hospital-based imaging.

Sounds promising, right? But as I dove deeper into the tech, one thing became crystal clear: the pace at which AI tools are entering healthcare outpaces the policies that govern them. So, I asked myself—how does policymaking for these technologies actually happen? Who’s in the room when the rules are written?

From primary care to the House of Lords

That question led me to a completely different kind of environment: the House of Lords. My internship there happened at an unusually dynamic time, with the dissolution of one government and the formation of another. It was like watching democracy find its rhythm again in real time.

One particularly impactful moment was meeting the CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, whose insights—and encouragement—inspired me to apply for the 2025 Turing Doctoral Award. Spoiler alert: I got it!

Hello Milan, Hello Human Technopole

Fast-forward a few months, and I was packing my bags for Italy, heading to Human Technopole—the Italian government’s research powerhouse in Milan. Let’s be honest: Italy isn’t at its best in January, and neither are its trains. Rents in the city made me retreat to a cute little flat on the outskirts, and after my first week relying on questionable public transport, I caved and bought a bike. Best decision ever.

My morning rides to Human Technopole were one of the unexpected highlights of my stay. The building itself is a sleek, futuristic mix of glass and metal that feels like it belongs in a Marvel movie. My mission: to develop a robust research protocol for my next phase—Closing the AI Healthcare Divide: Global Policy Recommendations for Equitable Implementation.

It meant juggling funding applications, navigating contracts, dealing with insurance (fun!), and fitting a whole mini-project into a matter of weeks. But somehow, it worked.

Of protocols, presentations, and perfect pasta

While in Milan, I managed to register my protocol (PROSPERO link below!), write and publish a blog post with i2Insights, and present at multiple internal and public events. I even organised a few myself—turns out, bringing people together around tech and health policy is not only exciting, but surprisingly joyful.

And yes, I took Italian classes in the evenings. I may still struggle with the subjunctive, but it’s amazing how much warmer people are when you try to speak their language. Italians really appreciate it—and no one corrects you mid-sentence more sweetly.

Lessons learned (and eaten)

What did I take away from Milan? Besides a renewed appreciation for espresso and collaboration over coffee? A deep respect for how research can—and must—transcend borders. I saw how international collaboration works in real time: like a well-oiled (and occasionally chaotic) machine, with every researcher playing a unique part.

Now back in Bristol, my bike rides are rainier and the coffee is, well… let’s just say different. But I carry with me the energy, the networks, and the inspiration of my time at Human Technopole. It gave me a glimpse of what comes after the PhD—and reminded me that every policy starts with a person asking a question.

So, what’s next? Hopefully narrowing the AI divide, one carefully considered regulation at a time.

• If you’re curious about the blog I mentioned or the protocol I developed, here are the links:
  Three key strategies enabling artificial intelligence to bridge inequities
• PROSPERO Protocol – CRD420251014906 Closing the AI Healthcare Divide: Global Policy Recommendations for Equitable Implementation

Grazie mille for reading. And if you’re ever cycling through Milan, I know just the café.