Dr Lewis Paton is a Lecturer in Data Science at the University of York. His research focuses on extracting information and important stories from data to improve mental health.

Lewis uses a wide range of quantitative tools in his work, including machine learning and methods that help understand causal relationships in data. His recent work includes exploring the potential of machine learning in self-harm prediction and how such methods can help identify “what works for whom”. He is also an advocate for Open Science, having led initiatives to increase awareness and uptake of these practices in applied mental health research, as well as leading a programme of work to improve the accessibility of the Born in Bradford: Age of Wonder cohort study for mental health research.

As a Smart Data Research UK Fellow, Lewis is using the Smart Data Donation Service (SDDS) to explore the relationship between YouTube usage and mental health. By applying natural language processing methods to the donated data, he aims to understand viewing patterns and their relationship to wellbeing. He is also working with the SDDS to improve data accessibility for the wider mental health research community.

Meet our other Smart Data Research UK Fellows.