Ri Science Podcast From the Lab: How mathematics is powering medical innovation – with Becky Shipley
Jan 16, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Becky Shipley, a Professor of healthcare engineering at UCL, shares her journey from mathematics to medical innovation. She explores how mathematical models enhance our understanding of capillary networks and kidney mapping, playing a critical role in treating diseases like diabetic retinopathy. Becky also details the reverse-engineering of the Whisperflow ventilator during COVID and collaboration with Mercedes F1 for rapid manufacturing of CPAP devices. She envisions a future where AI and machine learning drive healthcare innovation using real-time data.
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Capillary Structure Controls Tissue Function
- Capillary-scale blood vessel architecture controls oxygen and drug delivery to tissue.
- Mathematical models linking vessel structure, flow and transport can explain disease and guide targeted therapies.
Rapid Reverse-Engineering Saved Ventilator Capacity
- Becky described reverse-engineering the Philips Respironics Whisperflow to scale non-invasive ventilators during COVID.
- The team combined clinical insight, motorsport engineering and rapid prototyping to produce working devices within days.
From Museum Piece To Mass Production
- Engineers cut open a museum and an eBay-bought device to reproduce CAD drawings and materials.
- Within 100 hours they had a prototype and within days secured regulatory approval and mass production contracts.