Purpose of the workshop 

Hosted by the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, this interdisciplinary workshop will bring together researchers at the University of Bristol and colleagues working in the NHS and other organisations with an interest in AI in health to discuss application of AI in cancer risk prediction and early detection.  

The aim is to build on existing expertise in cancer prediction/early diagnosis across disciplines and explore opportunities for new collaborations with a view to enhancing capacity to develop ideas for and apply for programme grants, such as the CRUK Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme funding schemes. The workshop will also be an opportunity for researchers to develop ideas for projects intending to make future use of Isambard AI.   

The workshop will address the areas that include but are not limited to: 

• Early detection and diagnosis (e.g. circulating biomarkers, medical imaging) 

• Predictive models and risk assessment to inform screening 

• Streamlining data analysis 

• Risk communication and shared decision making  

• Inequalities in cancer detection and diagnosis 

• Understanding pre-cancers to enable early detection 

• Multicancer early detection 

Background: 

Cancer research at Bristol is a vibrant cross-disciplinary community which focuses on core strengths in cancer cell biology, genetic and lifecourse epidemiology and health services research. In partnership with Bristol NHS Trusts and the University of West of England (UWE), the aim is to accelerate the identification and translation of research into clinical practice for the early detection and treatment of cancer. 

Cancer is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide, and with the ageing of the population and changes in lifestyle such as increasing obesity, its incidence is likely to continue to rise. Research in Bristol, lead by internationally recognised experts in the field, is looking to enhance early diagnostics, screening and prevention of a variety of cancers. AI holds immense promise in revolutionising cancer care by enabling early detection, personalised treatment, and improved patient outcomes.  

Who is it for:  

The workshop is open to all colleagues in the University of Bristol with an interest and/or expertise in AI and cancer as well as colleagues in the NHS and other organisations. We particularly welcome participation of engineers, data scientists and experts in machine learning or other colleagues whose AI-related skills could be applied to the area of cancer prediction.   

Format: 

The interdisciplinary workshop will be held in-person over lunch. Light lunch will be provided and participation is free. To register please complete a short registration form by end of Tuesday 7 May 2024. 

Agenda to be confirmed.  

If you have any queries please contact the event organisers, Jocelyn Egginton and Sarah Eyland @ ebi-events@bristol.ac.uk