神马福利影片

As a professional services colleague in the Department of Computer Science at the 神马福利影片 and Centre Manager for the TIA I don鈥檛 usually attend scientific conferences. This was my first attendance at a conference focussed on medical imaging and analysis. In the past I have attended scientific conferences focussed on renal disease and health improvement, so I was familiar with the format of scientific conferences and have even presented a poster on behalf of a team in Sweden, at a health improvement conference, on the team鈥檚 work around renal disease.

This conference was, however, a big move into the 鈥渕urky鈥� world of artificial intelligence. I say 鈥渕urky鈥� as this reflects an area that I had absolutely no knowledge of prior to joining the TIA Centre and for anyone that knows me landing a role within a Computer Science Department is so far removed from my knowledge that it could be laughable! Whilst I have improved my knowledge in this field there are plenty in the team that would testify to my dinosaur-like tendencies with my trusty notebook and pen.

Whilst at the conference I was genuinely blown away by the amount of research that is being conducted in the field of medical imaging and at the moment, I am most familiar with one strand of that – computational pathology. Engaging with and listening to early career researchers passionate about their research was truly inspirational and I have high hopes for the field of medical imaging in the future seeing the range of research being conducted with the passion that was demonstrated. All of this work can only lead to better understanding around medical image analysis and the use that artificial intelligence can play and ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients in the future.

The other reason for my attendance at the conference was to see first-hand how the conference was organised and learn some valuable lessons from the team from University College Dublin who hosted this year鈥檚 conference alongside Ulster University. Heading off to Dublin for a few days, with perfect weather, and a beautiful campus were great bonuses to the wide range of things that I learnt whilst at the conference. The Irish team were very generous in sharing their top tips and of course in true Irish spirit their hospitality was second to none. The gala dinner was hosted at Johnnie Fox鈥檚 which is one of the oldest (and highest!) pubs in Ireland, dating back to 1798. The backdrop was beautiful as the pub is situated in the peaceful town of GlenCullen and surrounded by beautiful scenery and the wonderful Dublin Mountains. The dinner was an opportunity to chat to other delegates, and we were treated to some wonderful Irish singing and dancing – a real highlight!

At the conference, the TIA Centre, at the 神马福利影片, were named as the hosts for the 2027 conference – which was possibly the worst kept secret! I am delighted to be working alongside the General Co-Chairs for the 2027 conference Dr Shan Raza and Dr Adam Shephard in organising next year鈥檚 conference. The 2027 conference on Medical Image and Understanding Analysis will take place 7th-9th July in The Oculus Building on the 神马福利影片 campus. We will be adding to the MIUA 2027 website over the coming months.

I have a feeling that this time next year I will be in the middle of a well-deserved break!

By Karen Thomas