Yan Chen

Professor Yan Chen is the head of the Digital Cancer Screening Research Group at the University of Nottingham. She has led the development of PERFORMS, a digital assessment and training programme for breast screening readers, which is fully embedded within the UK’s National Breast Screening Programme. Building on its success, her research has expanded to the UK lung cancer screening programme through PERFECTS, the first assessment and training platform aimed at ensuring accurate interpretation of lung CT scans, improving patient outcomes, and streamlining clinician workload.

Her research focuses on medical imaging, covering cancer screening, early cancer detection, and diagnostic accuracy in CT, breast mammography, and tomosynthesis.

She has also led the conceptualisation and development of a novel digital platform designed to quality assure commercially available AI algorithms, employing a framework analogous to the External Quality Assurance (EQA) process for humans. This platform has undergone rigorous testing with leading AI companies and provides unique insights by comparing AI algorithm performance with human readers in the NHS Breast Screening Programme, helping to establish robust standards for integrating AI into clinical practice.

Her work combines research innovation, practical clinical application, and international impact, driving improvements in both radiology training and AI-supported cancer screening programmes.