Daniel Leightley

About Daniel Leightley

Hi, I’m Dan Leightley, a Lecturer in Digital Health Sciences at King’s College London. My research focuses on leveraging big data, machine learning, and mobile health technologies to develop innovative, secure, and user-friendly solutions for real-world applications. I specialise in projects supporting the Armed Forces Community and advancing mental and physical health interventions. I am also passionate about data security, web development, and cloud infrastructure.

You can explore some of my open-source projects on GitHub here.

I am a member of the UK Army Reserve Force and hold a Certified in Cybersecurity qualification from ISC2.

History

I earned my PhD in Computer Vision and Machine Learning at Manchester Metropolitan University, where I developed a system to identify physiological measurements from human motion using advanced encoding algorithms and machine learning. Prior to this, I completed a BSc (Hons.) in Information and Communications (2011) and an MSc in Computing (2012), both at Manchester Metropolitan University.

After completing my PhD, I joined King’s College London as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the King's Centre for Military Health Research. Over the years, I have progressed to Research Fellow and now Lecturer, contributing to pioneering research in digital health, military health, and data-driven interventions. Since 2023, I have been part of the Group for Precision Health & AI and the UK Military Research Group within the School of Life Course & Population Sciences.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Development

Throughout my career, I have completed a range of professional training and workshops, including:

  • Advanced training in deep learning, complex modelling, and assessment in higher education.
  • NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit and other governance-focused courses
  • BMVA Summer Schools and technical workshops on digital health and informatics.

I am always seeking new challenges to expand my skills and develop impactful solutions.

Professional Activities (Current)

Editor

  • Academic Editor: PLOS One.
  • Academic Editor: Scientific Reports.

Referee

I regularly serve as a reviewer for high-impact journals and conferences, including:

  • IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics.
  • The Lancet Digital Health.
  • Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR).
  • British Medical Journal (BMJ).
  • Translational Psychiatry.

And many more (full list available upon request).

Miscellaneous

  • Member, Independent Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours (SPI-B), 2020-2021.
  • Guest Editor: Journal of Symmetry (2019) – Special Issue.
  • Press/Social Media Chair, Veterans' Mental Health Conference (2018-2021).
  • Co-Chair, Special Sessions for Measuring Behaviour (2018) and Face and Gesture (2018).

Other Roles

  • Athena SWAN Diversity & Inclusion Working Group Member, King’s College London.
  • Developer and early adopter with Microsoft Developer Preview Program: Kinect One.

Location

I am based in London, England. I welcome enquiries about my research, technical projects, and collaboration opportunities.

You can read a Wikipedia style overview of me here.