DPhil Student Recognised in OpenAI’s Inaugural ChatGPT Futures Class of 2026

Ayush Noori, a DPhil student working with Prof David Clifton in the Computational Health Informatics (CHI) Lab at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, has been selected as a member of OpenAI’s inaugural ChatGPT Futures Class of 2026, recognising young innovators using AI to address major global challenges. 

The programme celebrates 26 young people and teams from around the world who are using advanced AI technologies to create a positive impact. Each honouree receives a grant and access to OpenAI’s latest tools and technologies to further develop their work. 

Ayush was recognised for his research developing artificial intelligence systems such as PROTON to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and other currently unsolved medical conditions. The recognition highlights the growing impact of AI-enabled healthcare research and its potential to support earlier diagnosis and more personalised treatment pathways.

Speaking about the recognition, Ayush said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to novel approaches for treating neurological disease and to work towards a future that gives us more time and memories with the people we love.” OpenAI described the initiative as celebrating “what becomes possible when the next generation has powerful tools in hand”, with the programme designed to support emerging leaders working across science, healthcare, education and technology.

Ashley Alexander, Vice President of Health Products at OpenAI, wrote, “Some of the hardest problems in health start with disconnected signals. Ayush Noori built PROTON to help connect them... As someone who has endured the heartbreaking experience of a close family member suffering from dementia, I'm really inspired by Ayush’s work and how he is using AI to drive exciting progress in neurological disease treatment.”