Ruaridh Clark

Ruaridh Clark is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, where he serves as an interdisciplinary research lead in the Future Hospital Initiative. His work bridges engineering, space systems, neuroscience, and public health, fostering collaboration across faculties to develop innovative solutions for complex societal challenges.

• Doctor of Engineering, Methodologies for scalable and responsive swarms and networked systems, University of Strathclyde (2018)
• Master of Engineering, MEng Aero-Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde (2013)

His research interests lie at the intersection of systems, networks, and patterns, with applications in satellite systems, disease spread modeling, neurodevelopment in autism, and redesigning NHS patient pathways. He applies engineering principles to diverse domains, including space technology, epidemic preparedness, and brain aging. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, innovation, and infrastructure.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary research, combining space systems with distributed ledger technologies, and neuroscience with biophysical modeling of aging. Key themes include blockchain for satellite operations, brain clocks in dementia, and equitable epidemic preparedness. This indicates a trajectory toward systems-level solutions that integrate technology, health, and sustainability.

Notable scientific awards include:

• CompleNet Best Poster Award (2024)
• Galileo Masters EUSPA Space for FUN Challenge – 2nd Place (2021)
• Vitae International Recognition Award (2021)
• 2nd Place, Copernicus Masters – BMVI Transport Challenge (2020)
• Finalist, E&T Innovation Awards (2020)
• IAC Student Paper Competition (2013)

Dr. Clark is actively involved in research grants and collaborative projects, including EPSRC IAA funding for NHS unscheduled care design, ESA-funded tidal channel mapping, and the Decentralised Autonomous Community in Space (DACS) project. He co-investigates multiple interdisciplinary initiatives, such as Mobilising Scotland’s Assets for Epidemic Control (MOSAEC) and UK Biobank-based aging research. He is accepting PhD students and contributes to public engagement through media appearances on BBC Click and Border Life.

He is a key member of research teams focused on space systems innovation, including Matryoshka Orbital Networks (MatrON), AUDITS (Autonomous Distributed Time signal in-Space), and SAfe Passage through Shifting Sands. These projects explore next-generation satellite constellations, time synchronization in space, and remote sensing for environmental monitoring.