Looking to the Future: Research, AI and Intelligent Healthcare

Harnessing research, innovation and artificial intelligence to achieve better outcomes for patients, and wider societal and economic benefit Harnessing research, innovation and AI for better patient outcomes and wider societal and economic benefit Hosted by HSE South West and the national HSE Chief Academic Officer Group, with support from University College Cork, the 2026 Chief Academic Officer Conference will bring together leaders from healthcare, academia, research, government, industry and patient organisations to explore how Ireland can build a more research-active and innovation-enabled health service. Keynote speakers include Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO and Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Department of Health and Social Care, and Professor Zayna Khayat, internationally recognised health futurist. Dr Ana Terrés, HSE Head of Research & Evidence, will present the forthcoming HSE Health Research Framework, and Bishop Paul Tighe, Vatican Dicastery for Culture & Education, will address AI and ethics. Panels will bring together health service and university leaders, clinicians, nursing researchers, policymakers, industry and patient representatives, with audience Q&A and a networking lunch at The Kingsley Hotel. See the agenda below for session times and speaker details. This is a hybrid HSE event with both in-person and virtual attendance options.