The £5.9 million will help fund the project for five years.

Groups of patients are created virtually based on real data by an AI computer program, with treatments or devices tested on them in simulated trials.

Researchers said this allowed ideas to be tested at a faster pace than traditional trials involving real patients.

The Manchester team’s work will focus on studying genetics and patient-specific tumors, as well as comparing a new form of proton beam therapy with standard radiotherapy for patients with lung cancer.

Martin Storey, who underwent radiotherapy to cure his lung cancer as part of a clinical trial after being diagnosed in 2009, said he was pleased to see funds aimed at advancing the treatment.

The retired delivery driver from Wythenshawe added: “Not everyone survives lung cancer, and I was one of the lucky ones to be able to take part in a trial.

“Now, thanks to research, I have lived to be a great-grandfather.

“I think artificial intelligence is the future and if more can be done with virtual trials to improve the efficiency of clinical trials, then it will help more patients, and more people will be able to survive their cancer like I did it.”