UCAmI 2024
16th International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Ambient Intelligence
November 27th to November 29th, 2024 - Ulster University - Belfast (Northern Ireland, United Kingdom)
Objective and Main Topics
The objective of the event is to share strategies, methods and best practices for sustainable innovation in healthcare sector. Throughout the event this perspective will be addressed, with specific declinations, in relation to all the innovation phases, in order to adequately support future research projects. Good practices and challenges will be also discussed about the deployment of sustainable innovation in daily practice and political strategies.
Format
The event will consist of two main workshops and an intermediate matchmaking session among partners for future R&D projects.
- 9.00-11.00: Good practices of Sustainable innovation in Healthcare
- 11.15-13.00:Call for Ideas session towards new EU R&D proposals
- 14.30-16.30: Round Table on Impact Assessment for Services Sustainability
What is the Medea Academy?
The MEDEA Academy is an annual international event that provides learning courses and practices sharing in the field of health and social sector innovation. It is organized by MEDEA in collaboration with reference international partners. Each year, a specific topic is covered that embraces a multidimensional perspective: enabling technologies, policies, and sustainability. The red thread over the years is the integration of local dimension and international scenario and the organization of dedicated events, particularly Summer Schools, alternating with sponsorship of international events. For details https://www.medeaproject.eu/medea-academy/
Panelist
Elena Tamburini.
Medea s.r.l.
PhD in Biomedical Engineering, she has high qualified experience in design and evaluation of innovation service models and technology impact assessment. Since 2000 she has been involved in several R&D projects related to the ICT supported services in social and healthcare domain, where she usually plays the role of Project Manager and Innovation Impact Assessment Manager.
Medea s.r.l.
PhD in Biomedical Engineering, she has high qualified experience in design and evaluation of innovation service models and technology impact assessment. Since 2000 she has been involved in several R&D projects related to the ICT supported services in social and healthcare domain, where she usually plays the role of Project Manager and Innovation Impact Assessment Manager.
Koushik Maharatna.
School of Electronics and Computer Science University of Southampton
Internationally leading expert in the multidisciplinary field of Biomedical signal processing systems development with 15+ years of experience in the research area of next-generation remote healthcare systems development. His particular focus is on application of Artificial Intelligence in the area of prediction and diagnosis of Cardiovascular diseases and
School of Electronics and Computer Science University of Southampton
Internationally leading expert in the multidisciplinary field of Biomedical signal processing systems development with 15+ years of experience in the research area of next-generation remote healthcare systems development. His particular focus is on application of Artificial Intelligence in the area of prediction and diagnosis of Cardiovascular diseases and
Marco Brintazzoli.
Director of Società della Salute Mugello
Marco was appointed Director of the Mugello Health Society in 2021. He was Advisor to the Tuscany Region – Regional Council Department for Health Welfare integration, social -health care and sport for activities relating to the European affairs and international department for health, social - health and social sectors (2019-2020).
Director of Società della Salute Mugello
Marco was appointed Director of the Mugello Health Society in 2021. He was Advisor to the Tuscany Region – Regional Council Department for Health Welfare integration, social -health care and sport for activities relating to the European affairs and international department for health, social - health and social sectors (2019-2020).
Julie Robillard.
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Dr. Julie Robillard is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of British Columbia and Scientist in Patient Experience at BC Children’s & Women’s Hospitals. She leads the Neuroscience, Engagement and Smart Tech (NEST) lab within Neuroethics Canada, where her research program evaluates the benefits and harms of current and emerging technologies that support brain health across the lifespan, and develops novel, emotionally-aligned tools to assist people with brain health conditions in living their best life.
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Dr. Julie Robillard is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of British Columbia and Scientist in Patient Experience at BC Children’s & Women’s Hospitals. She leads the Neuroscience, Engagement and Smart Tech (NEST) lab within Neuroethics Canada, where her research program evaluates the benefits and harms of current and emerging technologies that support brain health across the lifespan, and develops novel, emotionally-aligned tools to assist people with brain health conditions in living their best life.
María Carracedo.
Project Manager, INTRAS fundation
María Carracedo is a European Projects Coordinator with extensive experience in managing initiatives across a range of EU programs (Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and EuropeAid). With a background as a professor and researcher and on international cooperation projects with a focus on global citizenship. Her work spans project coordination, dissemination, and evaluation, enriched by hands-on experience with NGOs in Latin America advancing gender equality and human rights. Currently, María serves as an Expert Evaluator for Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program.
Project Manager, INTRAS fundation
María Carracedo is a European Projects Coordinator with extensive experience in managing initiatives across a range of EU programs (Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and EuropeAid). With a background as a professor and researcher and on international cooperation projects with a focus on global citizenship. Her work spans project coordination, dissemination, and evaluation, enriched by hands-on experience with NGOs in Latin America advancing gender equality and human rights. Currently, María serves as an Expert Evaluator for Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program.
Daria Smolyanska.
Project Manager, INTRAS fundation
Daria has managed projects within the Open Innovation Projects Department at INTRAS Foundation since 2015. She holds a degree in Management and Public Administration. She coordinated over 25 transnational projects with a focus on improving opportunities for people with disabilities covering various areas including, innovative therapies human rights, and employment, education. She has worked with several European Programs, including Life Long Learning, Erasmus +, Strategic partnerships for VET, Adult Education and Youth, Capacity Building.
Project Manager, INTRAS fundation
Daria has managed projects within the Open Innovation Projects Department at INTRAS Foundation since 2015. She holds a degree in Management and Public Administration. She coordinated over 25 transnational projects with a focus on improving opportunities for people with disabilities covering various areas including, innovative therapies human rights, and employment, education. She has worked with several European Programs, including Life Long Learning, Erasmus +, Strategic partnerships for VET, Adult Education and Youth, Capacity Building.
Dr. Jenny Groarke.
Psychologist, University of Galway
Specialising in health psychology, Jenny’s work focuses on developing and implementing innovative digital health interventions. Her research harnesses the principles of behavioural science and evidence-based frameworks to design and deliver sustainable interventions that can be scaled to reach broader populations. Jenny has collaborated on high-impact, multidisciplinary European projects that integrate cutting-edge digital technology with psychological strategies to enhance user engagement and advance public health outcomes. Complements her project management know-how in the social sector.
Psychologist, University of Galway
Specialising in health psychology, Jenny’s work focuses on developing and implementing innovative digital health interventions. Her research harnesses the principles of behavioural science and evidence-based frameworks to design and deliver sustainable interventions that can be scaled to reach broader populations. Jenny has collaborated on high-impact, multidisciplinary European projects that integrate cutting-edge digital technology with psychological strategies to enhance user engagement and advance public health outcomes. Complements her project management know-how in the social sector.
Patrick Cullen.
NCP for Digital Health & Technology
Patrick is the Horizon Europe Northern Ireland Contact Point for Cluster 1 – Health. He has a responsibility to engage with EU digital healthcare related research and development programmes in order to maximise Northern Ireland’s opportunities for EU funding under Horizon Europe. Patrick has 25 years’ experience in the global scientific research market with nearly 20 years spent in the private sector across a range of technologies including scientific imaging, wireless technologies and software licensing. Latterly, Patrick was Business Integration Manager with the Eastern Corridor Medical Engineering Centre (ECME), an EU INTERREG funded research centre based at Ulster University and covering cardiac healthcare technologies.
NCP for Digital Health & Technology
Patrick is the Horizon Europe Northern Ireland Contact Point for Cluster 1 – Health. He has a responsibility to engage with EU digital healthcare related research and development programmes in order to maximise Northern Ireland’s opportunities for EU funding under Horizon Europe. Patrick has 25 years’ experience in the global scientific research market with nearly 20 years spent in the private sector across a range of technologies including scientific imaging, wireless technologies and software licensing. Latterly, Patrick was Business Integration Manager with the Eastern Corridor Medical Engineering Centre (ECME), an EU INTERREG funded research centre based at Ulster University and covering cardiac healthcare technologies.
Pietro Dionisio.
Medea s.r.l.
Master’s degree in political science from the University of Florence. He has experience in impact analysis and services’ sustainability strategies of innovative solution on the social-healthcare domain. Author of several articles in the fields of health, social and health economic policies for numerous Journals, Pietro is delegated chair of the WG Health within the Alliance for Internet of Things Association (AIOTI).
Medea s.r.l.
Master’s degree in political science from the University of Florence. He has experience in impact analysis and services’ sustainability strategies of innovative solution on the social-healthcare domain. Author of several articles in the fields of health, social and health economic policies for numerous Journals, Pietro is delegated chair of the WG Health within the Alliance for Internet of Things Association (AIOTI).
Ms. Lara Toccafondi.
Pane e Rose Coop.
Sean has a background in Life and Health Sciences. He has worked extensively in clinical and non-clinical roles within various organisations. He has previously worked in quality assurance for a large healthcare provider, where his roles included developing evidence-based treatment pathways and digital resources to support occupational health systems for commercial organisations. His research background includes extensive work in digital health, including assessment of the acceptability of mobile health interventions, as well as the dissemination and implementation of such programmes in health systems. He also has expertise in research ethics and regulations.
Pane e Rose Coop.
Sean has a background in Life and Health Sciences. He has worked extensively in clinical and non-clinical roles within various organisations. He has previously worked in quality assurance for a large healthcare provider, where his roles included developing evidence-based treatment pathways and digital resources to support occupational health systems for commercial organisations. His research background includes extensive work in digital health, including assessment of the acceptability of mobile health interventions, as well as the dissemination and implementation of such programmes in health systems. He also has expertise in research ethics and regulations.
Sean O’Connor.
Cluster Innovation Lead, Ulster University
Sean has a background in Life and Health Sciences. He has worked extensively in clinical and non-clinical roles within various organisations. He has previously worked in quality assurance for a large healthcare provider, where his roles included developing evidence-based treatment pathways and digital resources to support occupational health systems for commercial organisations. His research background includes extensive work in digital health, including assessment of the acceptability of mobile health interventions, as well as the dissemination and implementation of such programmes in health systems. He also has expertise in research ethics and regulations.
Cluster Innovation Lead, Ulster University
Sean has a background in Life and Health Sciences. He has worked extensively in clinical and non-clinical roles within various organisations. He has previously worked in quality assurance for a large healthcare provider, where his roles included developing evidence-based treatment pathways and digital resources to support occupational health systems for commercial organisations. His research background includes extensive work in digital health, including assessment of the acceptability of mobile health interventions, as well as the dissemination and implementation of such programmes in health systems. He also has expertise in research ethics and regulations.
Francesco Agnoloni.
Medea s.r.l.
With a Master’s degree in Data Science from the University of Florence and solid international experience, he has an extensive background in ICT-based solutions for socio-assistance applications. His expertise in data analysis is centred on handling missing data, analysing longitudinal datasets, and developing causal inference models, with contributions to several scientific journals. Skilled in multiple programming languages and analytical tools, he has a proven ability to leverage data-driven methods to address complex challenges effectively.
Medea s.r.l.
With a Master’s degree in Data Science from the University of Florence and solid international experience, he has an extensive background in ICT-based solutions for socio-assistance applications. His expertise in data analysis is centred on handling missing data, analysing longitudinal datasets, and developing causal inference models, with contributions to several scientific journals. Skilled in multiple programming languages and analytical tools, he has a proven ability to leverage data-driven methods to address complex challenges effectively.
Eleni Kaldoudi.
Medical Physics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
Eleni is currently the President of European Alliance for Medical and Biological Engineering and Science (EAMBES, 2023-2025). Eleni has acted as a member of the Greek National Representative team for the EU FP7 Programme Capacities during 2006-2010 and has acted as co-chair of the Committee for Women in Biomedical Engineering, International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE) for the period 2015-2018. Her research interests are within health informatics, with emphasis on technologies supporting patient and expert empowerment and decision making.
Medical Physics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
Eleni is currently the President of European Alliance for Medical and Biological Engineering and Science (EAMBES, 2023-2025). Eleni has acted as a member of the Greek National Representative team for the EU FP7 Programme Capacities during 2006-2010 and has acted as co-chair of the Committee for Women in Biomedical Engineering, International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE) for the period 2015-2018. Her research interests are within health informatics, with emphasis on technologies supporting patient and expert empowerment and decision making.
Elisabete Pitarma.
Cáritas Diocesana Coimbra
Elisabete Pitarma has been an international project manager in the Innovation Department at Cáritas Coimbra since 2021, with experience in programmes such as Horizon 2020, AAL, PT2020, and Erasmus+. She graduated in Social Studies (Socio-Cultural Developer) and is currently completing a Master's in Social Intervention, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Her interests include impact assessment and social entrepreneurship, focusing on organisational sustainability. Elisabete is dedicated to promoting innovative solutions that address community needs.
Cáritas Diocesana Coimbra
Elisabete Pitarma has been an international project manager in the Innovation Department at Cáritas Coimbra since 2021, with experience in programmes such as Horizon 2020, AAL, PT2020, and Erasmus+. She graduated in Social Studies (Socio-Cultural Developer) and is currently completing a Master's in Social Intervention, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Her interests include impact assessment and social entrepreneurship, focusing on organisational sustainability. Elisabete is dedicated to promoting innovative solutions that address community needs.
Maria Luigia del Vicario.
Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi
Graduated in Physical Therapy on November 2022. She is an Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapist and is working as a researcher in Florence, at Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, along with the Promise@Lab. The principal duties here are to treat and evaluate patients involved in RCTs and I’m involved in contamination and dissemination tasks.
Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi
Graduated in Physical Therapy on November 2022. She is an Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapist and is working as a researcher in Florence, at Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, along with the Promise@Lab. The principal duties here are to treat and evaluate patients involved in RCTs and I’m involved in contamination and dissemination tasks.
Joshua Hyde.
Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CiMH) - University of Southampton
Joshua is a PhD candidate and senior research assistant at the University of Southampton. Joshua’s main research interest is cognitive and affective neuroscience, with a focus on anxiety and related disorders. In his PhD research, he uses a multimodal approach to explore the cognitive and neurophysiological features of anxiety in experimental medicine models involving healthy humans to inform the development of new treatment strategies. Joshua is a senior research assistant on some reference European projects (ETHEREAL, ATTENS). Joshua’s recent works, published in high-impact journals, include investigations of novel, non-medical treatments for psychiatric disorders using advanced evidence synthesis methods.
Centre for Innovation in Mental Health (CiMH) - University of Southampton
Joshua is a PhD candidate and senior research assistant at the University of Southampton. Joshua’s main research interest is cognitive and affective neuroscience, with a focus on anxiety and related disorders. In his PhD research, he uses a multimodal approach to explore the cognitive and neurophysiological features of anxiety in experimental medicine models involving healthy humans to inform the development of new treatment strategies. Joshua is a senior research assistant on some reference European projects (ETHEREAL, ATTENS). Joshua’s recent works, published in high-impact journals, include investigations of novel, non-medical treatments for psychiatric disorders using advanced evidence synthesis methods.
Sergio Eduardo Abbenante.
Technological Center for Furniture and Wood of the Region of Murcia (CETEM)
Sergio is an Information Systems Engineer. Since 2022, he has been a member of the Electronics and Home Automation department at CETEM, where he applies his expertise in software analysis, design, and programming, alongside extensive experience in database creation and management and large-scale data processing. He has participated in numerous national and international R&D&I projects, resulting in four publications and presentations at over 15 scientific conferences across South America, Europe, and Asia.
Technological Center for Furniture and Wood of the Region of Murcia (CETEM)
Sergio is an Information Systems Engineer. Since 2022, he has been a member of the Electronics and Home Automation department at CETEM, where he applies his expertise in software analysis, design, and programming, alongside extensive experience in database creation and management and large-scale data processing. He has participated in numerous national and international R&D&I projects, resulting in four publications and presentations at over 15 scientific conferences across South America, Europe, and Asia.
Miguel Ángel Beteta Medina.
Technological Center for Furniture and Wood of the Region of Murcia (CETEM)
Miguel is a Telecommunications Engineer. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, focusing on “Ecosystems and Interoperability in the Health Sector.” He has experience in software and firmware programming, wireless communications, and the development of desktop, web, and Android applications. Additionally, he has worked on the implementation of ML algorithms and has extensive experience with AWS cloud services and wireless communication systems. Miguel Ángel has participated in numerous national and international R&D&I projects with publications and presentations in conferences and journals.
Technological Center for Furniture and Wood of the Region of Murcia (CETEM)
Miguel is a Telecommunications Engineer. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, focusing on “Ecosystems and Interoperability in the Health Sector.” He has experience in software and firmware programming, wireless communications, and the development of desktop, web, and Android applications. Additionally, he has worked on the implementation of ML algorithms and has extensive experience with AWS cloud services and wireless communication systems. Miguel Ángel has participated in numerous national and international R&D&I projects with publications and presentations in conferences and journals.
Paul Beaney.
Centre for Digital Healthcare technologies, Ulster University
Prof. Paul Beaney serves as the Head of Projects Delivery at Ulster University's School of Computing, based at the Belfast campus. In this role, he oversees project execution within the university's computing and digital technology initiatives, aiming to support research and innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence and health informatics. His responsibilities involve managing various projects that bridge academic research with industry applications, which includes collaborating with external partners and fostering the development of technology-based solutions in line with Ulster’s strategic goals. Dr. Beaney’s work contributes significantly to the university's focus on applied computing and its integration within industry contexts, especially in Northern Ireland.
Centre for Digital Healthcare technologies, Ulster University
Prof. Paul Beaney serves as the Head of Projects Delivery at Ulster University's School of Computing, based at the Belfast campus. In this role, he oversees project execution within the university's computing and digital technology initiatives, aiming to support research and innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence and health informatics. His responsibilities involve managing various projects that bridge academic research with industry applications, which includes collaborating with external partners and fostering the development of technology-based solutions in line with Ulster’s strategic goals. Dr. Beaney’s work contributes significantly to the university's focus on applied computing and its integration within industry contexts, especially in Northern Ireland.
David Crozier CBE.
Director of Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC)
David is Director of the £16.3m Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), a joint venture between Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast. Previously he was CEO of Software NI and spent 11½ years at QUB’s Centre for Secure Information Technologies as Head of Strategic Partnerships. Appointed to the DCIT College of Experts in 2021, he was awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year's Honours List for services to the economy. Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE) programme. He was appointed to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) College of Experts in 2021, is a member of the Northern Ireland Cyber Security Steering Group and has been Chair of SpecialisterneNI since 2020, an organisation that supports autistic and neurodivergent individuals in their career development. David previously worked for Invest Northern Ireland and brings a wealth of experience from his time there.
Director of Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC)
David is Director of the £16.3m Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), a joint venture between Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast. Previously he was CEO of Software NI and spent 11½ years at QUB’s Centre for Secure Information Technologies as Head of Strategic Partnerships. Appointed to the DCIT College of Experts in 2021, he was awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year's Honours List for services to the economy. Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE) programme. He was appointed to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) College of Experts in 2021, is a member of the Northern Ireland Cyber Security Steering Group and has been Chair of SpecialisterneNI since 2020, an organisation that supports autistic and neurodivergent individuals in their career development. David previously worked for Invest Northern Ireland and brings a wealth of experience from his time there.
David Craig.
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
David was educated at Queen's University, Belfast and Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians since 2006. He specialised in Stroke Medicine (Southern HSC Trust). His current research interests as a Visiting Professor, School of Computing, Ulster University, include the use of technology in neurological disease.
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
David was educated at Queen's University, Belfast and Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians since 2006. He specialised in Stroke Medicine (Southern HSC Trust). His current research interests as a Visiting Professor, School of Computing, Ulster University, include the use of technology in neurological disease.
Jure Lampe.
SenLab
A highly experienced IT professional with a BSc in IT and over 35 years as a CEO and founder of various tech companies. Skilled in project leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving, with a focus on IoT, Industry 4.0, healthcare, and SmartCity solutions. Award-winning leader of projects including prototypes, mobile apps, and back-ends for both EU-funded R&D and commercial projects. Founder and CEO of SenLab and an IoT evaluator for Eurostars Eureka.
SenLab
A highly experienced IT professional with a BSc in IT and over 35 years as a CEO and founder of various tech companies. Skilled in project leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving, with a focus on IoT, Industry 4.0, healthcare, and SmartCity solutions. Award-winning leader of projects including prototypes, mobile apps, and back-ends for both EU-funded R&D and commercial projects. Founder and CEO of SenLab and an IoT evaluator for Eurostars Eureka.
Matias García-Constantino.
Matias García-Constantino was born in Mexico City, Mexico in 1983. He received his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, in 2007, and the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, in 2013. From 2013 to 2015 he was a Research Associate at the Computing Science Department of Newcastle University. From 2015 to 2017 he was a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate at the Computer Science Department of the University of Liverpool in collaboration with Riverview Law. From 2017 to 2020 he was a Research Associate at the School of Computing of Ulster University. Since 2020, he has been a Lecturer in Computer Science at Ulster University. His research interests include Data Analysis, Connected Health, Pervasive Computing, Human-Computer Interaction, and Legal Technology.
Matias García-Constantino was born in Mexico City, Mexico in 1983. He received his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, in 2007, and the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, in 2013. From 2013 to 2015 he was a Research Associate at the Computing Science Department of Newcastle University. From 2015 to 2017 he was a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate at the Computer Science Department of the University of Liverpool in collaboration with Riverview Law. From 2017 to 2020 he was a Research Associate at the School of Computing of Ulster University. Since 2020, he has been a Lecturer in Computer Science at Ulster University. His research interests include Data Analysis, Connected Health, Pervasive Computing, Human-Computer Interaction, and Legal Technology.
