Harnessing research, innovation and artificial intelligence to achieve better outcomes for patients, and wider societal and economic benefit

Hosted by HSE South West, with support from University College Cork, the 2026 Chief Academic Officer Conference will bring together senior leaders from healthcare, academia, research, government, industry and patient organisations to consider how Ireland can build a more research-active and innovation-enabled health service.

Taking place at a pivotal time for Ireland's health and research landscape, the conference will explore how research, innovation and artificial intelligence can improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare delivery, increase productivity, and deliver wider societal and economic benefit.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Department of Health and Social Care, and Professor Zayna Khayat, internationally recognised health futurist, as two of our keynote speakers.

The programme will feature keynote presentations, strategic panel discussions and audience Q&A, concluding with a networking lunch at The Kingsley Hotel.

The full event programme will be added to Eventbrite and circulated to registered attendees in due course.

This is a hybrid HSE event with both in-person and virtual attendance options.

Description supplied by the event organiser.