LEEDS — Children and families gathered in Millennium Square, Leeds, for an immersive experience into the future of healthcare at the annual Child Friendly Leeds Live event. Hosted by Breeze, a service dedicated to providing children and young people access to diverse cultural and sporting activities, the event aimed to celebrate National Play Day while educating attendees on cutting-edge advancements in technology and medicine, according to a press release published on EuropaWire .
Researchers from the University of Leeds took center stage, captivating audiences with demonstrations on the potential of robot doctors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing healthcare. Despite the drizzle, attendees remained undeterred, eagerly engaging with interactive exhibits and absorbing knowledge about AI while gaining valuable insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Part of the Be Curious initiative, which endeavors to bridge the gap between academic research and local communities, the University of Leeds researchers sought to showcase the tangible impact of their work on people’s lives. The team, comprising Morgan Thomas, Oliver Umney, Zoe Hancox, Victoria Moglia, Oliver Mills, and PhD student Xin Ci Wong, demonstrated AI algorithms using ‘decision trees’ to classify animals, sparking curiosity and understanding among young minds.
Oliver Umney, a first-year PhD student, emphasized the importance of demystifying AI for the younger generation, highlighting its imminent integration into medical practices. Zoe Hancox, a second-year PhD student, echoed this sentiment, stressing the significance of engaging with the community to foster a passion for science among youth.
In addition to AI demonstrations, another team of researchers led engaging sessions on body awareness and healthy living practices. Children eagerly donned lab coats, immersing themselves in the role of scientists and exploring the intricacies of nutrition and human physiology.
Celine Roblin-Robson, Engagement Officer at the University of Leeds, praised the researchers for their exceptional outreach efforts, emphasizing the university’s commitment to making science accessible and enjoyable for all. With Be Curious poised to become a household name in Leeds, the university aims to continue its collaboration with city-wide initiatives, fostering meaningful connections between academia and society.
The event underscored the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research and community engagement in shaping the future of healthcare and inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
