AI for Health Equity Symposium 2024, hosted by AIM-AHEAD, Breaks Records and Paves the Way for the Future of AI
The 2024 AI for Health Equity Symposium (AIHES), hosted alongside AIM-AHEAD's Annual Meeting, drew a record-breaking crowd this August, bringing together experts, innovators, and rising stars in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This two-day, action-packed event raised awareness of AI's potential to drive health equity and planted the seeds for the next generation of AI leaders.
With over 400 registrants gathering in Atlanta, Georgia, attendees dove deep into the innovative research and transformative applications of AI/ML. Among them were 57% AIM-AHEAD Program Awardees showcasing their projects, while the rest represented esteemed members from the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, the NIH, and special guest speakers.
Three Trailblazing Keynotes
The symposium featured thought-provoking keynotes from visionary leaders:
- Susan Gregurick, Associate Director for Data Science and Director of the NIH's Office of Data Science Strategy
- Rama Chakaki, Impact Tech Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
- Renata Rawlings-Goss, IDEaS Director of Industry Engagement at Georgia Tech
These talks set the tone for the event, pushed boundaries, and introduced new perspectives on how AI can transform healthcare for underrepresented communities.
Research on Display
Attendees walked through 153 poster presentations demonstrating groundbreaking work by AIM-AHEAD awardees and hubs. The poster session, which was a crowd favorite (with 29.6% calling it the event's highlight), allowed attendees to engage directly with researchers on the frontlines of AI innovation. Meanwhile, dynamic stakeholder sessions offered awardees a platform to share the progress of their impactful projects in more detail.
Big Growth, Big Impact
Compared to last year, AIHES 2024 saw a 70% increase in posters presented and an impressive jump in registrants from 300 to 414, underscoring the growing momentum behind the initiative. With a broader reach and deeper insights, this year's symposium solidified AIM-AHEAD's reputation as a leader in health equity through AI.
Pre- and Post-Conference Workshops: Continuing Education
The engagement didn't stop at the symposium. AIM-AHEAD also hosted a three-day Pre-Conference Virtual Workshop Series, featuring essential topics like "Ethical Considerations in AI for Health," "AI Equity 101," and "How to Engage Communities in Research." Post-conference webinars were held daily throughout September, offering even more learning opportunities to keep the conversations going.
Did you miss the workshops?
No worries! Recordings will soon be available on our website and AIM-AHEAD Connect, so stay tuned to catch up on all the latest insights.
Thanks to Leadership
This event would not have been possible without AIM-AHEAD's amazing Conference Leadership Team. Thank you to:
- Nawar Shara, Chair
- Sara Stienecker, Conference Director
- Roland J. Thorpe, Jr, Co-Chair & Program Lead
- Toufeeq Ahmed Syed, Communications Lead
- Usha Sambamoorthi, Workshop Committee Lead
- Maryam Solimany, Conference Coordinator