Conference to address emerging challenges and opportunities posed by AI and new tech

The influence of new technology and the threats and opportunities posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the subject of a conference for environmental health professionals taking place next week.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) AI and Tech Conference: Empowering Efficient Services will look to evaluate the risks and rewards of AI and emerging technologies, drawing on the latest research and case studies.

This brand-new conference will be headlined by a keynote session on ‘AI: The risks, rewards and readiness’, led by Tom Hindmarch, Digital Policy Adviser – Cyber, Digital & Technology at the Local Government Association (LGA).

Tom will be outlining the risks and rewards of using AI for local authorities and the work of the LGA in this area during his session.

Timothy Laurence, Data Scientist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), will be evaluating AI and its potential role in public health when he presents at the event, including introducing a case study on how AI could help scientists to detect and investigate foodborne illness outbreaks.

There will also be a session led by James Johnson, Regulation & Enforcement Manager at Lichfield District Council and CIEH Trustee, who will be speaking on his team’s use of technology to assist their work, particularly body worn cameras.

Other highlights include sessions from conference headline sponsor Meta Street talking about smart regulation in action and fellow sponsor RHE Global on using AI to support safeguarding, summarise reports and streamline workflows.

Nikki Pearson, Head of Events and Membership Engagement at CIEH, said:

“As AI and emerging technologies continue to reshape the way we work, it’s vital that environmental health professionals are equipped to navigate both the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead.

“Our first ever AI and Tech Conference brings together leading experts and real-world case studies to explore how innovation can enhance environmental health, improve service delivery, and safeguard communities. It is sure to be a thought-provoking and informative event for all those in attendance.”

The half-day conference on Friday, 4 July costs just £35 for CIEH members and £80 for non-members, with CIEH student members able to attend for free – for the full programme and to book a place visit: https://www.cieh.org/events/2025/july/cieh-ai-and-tech-conference-empowering-efficient-services/