The NextGenHealth Conference took place on 18th and 19th October at the ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto. This forward-thinking event focused on emerging health trends, particularly the transformative role of new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Designed to engage both students and health professionals, the conference explored the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its applications in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
Carina Dantas, CEO of SHINE 2Europe, was a featured speaker in the session titled “New Digital Trends in the Health Area.” She delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Artificial Intelligence in health diagnosis and treatment, spotlighting the Horizon Europe project RadioVal as a leading example of innovation in this field.
In her presentation, Carina showcased RadioVal’s potential to add societal value through AI-driven healthcare tools. However, she also addressed the significant challenges these technologies face, including biases, trust gaps, and other hindering factors. Drawing on SHINE’s work within RadioVal, she highlighted the organisation’s commitment to tackling these issues through social innovation, adherence to ethical AI principles, and the empowerment of citizens and stakeholders.
RadioVal, a project focused on the clinical validation of AI in radiomics for breast cancer treatment planning, was presented as a pioneering initiative. Carina demonstrated how SHINE’s efforts foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, and AI developers, to ensure the responsible and inclusive application of these advanced tools.
The NextGenHealth Conference provided a dynamic platform for exploring the intersection of cutting-edge technology and healthcare. Carina’s presentation underscored the need to balance innovation with ethical and societal considerations, ensuring that AI-driven solutions address the real-world needs of patients and healthcare providers alike.
By engaging students and professionals in meaningful dialogue, the event further cemented its role as a hub for shaping the future of healthcare through technology, innovation, and inclusivity.
