For Thought 2023

In the past 12 months, advances in ‘large language models’ (AI technologies which understand and generate text) have accelerated discussions on the impact of AI on education and skills.

How do we provide people with the skills to take advantage of AI? How should our education system change in a digital age?

Speakers

• Mary Curnock Cook, Chair, Pearson Education Ltd
• Caitlin Bentley, Lecturer in AI Education, Kings College London
• Praful Nargund, Education and skills campaigner
• Sir Anthony Seldon, Author and Head of Epsom College

Tackling “non-infectious” conditions (such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and chronic lung conditions) is key to improving the health and wellbeing of the UK, and addressing health inequalities.

Genomics, behavioural sciences, and use of data could all contribute to a healthcare system that it is more focused on early intervention and the prevention of non-infectious conditions. What are the benefits and risks of different approaches to prevention? How can the NHS be supported to translate innovations to treatments and services?

Speakers

• Sharmila Nebhrajani, Chair, NICE
• Cathie Sudlow, Deputy Director, Health Data Research UK
• Rachel Sylvester, Chair, Times Health Commission

People and communities across the UK are have been faced with rapidly increasing food costs and empty supermarket shelves in the early part of 2023, caused by combinations of climate shocks, energy prices, and labour shortages. Public health experts, the farming community, major retailers, and hospitality leaders have all signalled that we need to rethink the way the UK produces, imports, and sells food.

How should our food system change in the face of the climate crisis, increased energy costs, and cost-of-living pressures?

Speakers

• Tim Lang, Professor Emeritus Food Policy, City University
• Hannah Pathak, International Managing Director, Forum for the Future
• Balwinder Dhoot, Director of Sustainability, Food and Drink Federation
• Anisha Fernandez, Author and podcaster, Naughty Bites