Digging Deeper with Artificial Intelligence to Improve Lives - Speakers

Sian Lloyd is a broadcaster and presenter and has become familiar face following a 25-year career on TV and Radio, which has seen her presenting national programmes, including BBC Breakfast, Crimewatch Roadshow and Panorama, as well as her work as a senior correspondent on BBC National and World News.  
 
Sian has worked in BBC newsrooms in London, Salford, Birmingham and Cardiff and has served as both Midlands and as Wales Correspondent, working predominantly to the BBC 6 & 10 o’clock News as well as Radio 4’s Today Programme, the Radio 4 1800 bulletin and programmes across Radio 5 Live.  
 
Sian began her TV and Radio career in Wales, presenting BBC Wales Today, and Radio Wales ‘Drive’, and has presented a number of documentaries for BBC Wales.  
 
Before becoming a journalist, Sian trained as a lawyer in London and Hong Kong. She grew up in Wrexham in north Wales and speaks Welsh.  

Mike has worked for over 25 years across the public sector leading transformation, service improvement and organisational design and development programmes. This has included senior roles in the NHS and local government, as well as working as a management consultant for KMPG. His current role includes driving forward policy, strategy, and strategic direction for the health and care system in Wales. Mike is driven by the use of data and the most effective technologies and tools for population health management and advancements in social care. With AI, he has a focus on ensuring that this opportunity is taken up to improve productivity and efficiencies and in service delivery to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.

Ian joined the ICO in 2018 as Director of Regulatory Assurance. In that role, he is responsible for overseeing the ICO’s programme of data protection compliance audits, the assessment of applications for international transfers, and preparation for the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, he also leads ICO’s the Regulatory Cyber directorate. Part of Ian’s portfolio includes leading the ICO’s stakeholder relationships with the health sector, he represents the ICO on NHS England’s Check and Challenge group for the Federated Data Platform. During the pandemic he led a cross-office team providing advice and guidance to data controllers, Government, and the health sector on issues such as test and trace, the COVID app, and vaccine rollout. 

Prior to joining the ICO, Ian worked in the economic regulation of the water industry in England and Wales and the regulation of professional services in the legal and property sectors. 

Ceri Williams is a policy officer for TUC Cymru. TUC Cymru is creating a Wales where everyone has a voice through their union and an income they can build a life on. Ceri’s areas of interest include Fair Work and technology. Previously Ceri has worked in a number of policy and public affairs role in sectors such as social care, energy and economic development.

Dr Philippa Collins is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Bristol. Her research interests are in employment rights, human rights and the integration of technology at work. She is widely published and has written the leading text on human rights in the workplace. She previously held positions at the Universities of Oxford and Exeter and holds degrees from the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford.

Dr Antonio Weiss is a Senior Partner at The PSC, a public services consultancy, advising clients on AI, user-centred design and utilising technology to redesign public services to meet citizens’ needs. He has served organisations across the Welsh public sector, including CDPS, Velindre NHS Trust and Swansea Bay Health Board. Antonio is also affiliated researcher at the Bennett Institute, University of Cambridge and author of AI Demystified: Unleash the power of AI at work (Financial Times Publishing, 2025). Antonio was Senior Advisor to the office of the now UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, advising on technology and public service reform.

Diane leads the AI Research Center in CGI's Global AI Enablement Centre of Expertise, responsible for establishing CGI’s position on applied AI offerings and thought leadership. Previously, Diane was responsible for Analytics, AI and Machine Learning for CGI in Canada, leading a team of data scientists and data architects in supporting organisations implementing big data solutions. She holds a PhD in Medical Information Technology Management carrying out research on medical AI/expert system solution modelling and adoption. Diane has assisted organisations in better understanding their data through data science, AI and machine learning to expand the scope of evidence-based decision-making and led collaborative strategy design and implementation planning for advanced analytics and AI for large organisations.

Jacob leads Microsoft’s UK healthcare and life sciences business. He has a wide range of international experience in commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors. A former adviser to two UK Prime Ministers, Jacob has worked in healthcare locally, nationally and internationally, in the NHS and overseas. Jacob was a Harkness Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health and is a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London’s Public Policy Institute.

Alister Pearson is a Principal Policy Advisor in the ICO’s AI Compliance team. He led on the development of the ICO’s AI and Data Protection Risk Toolkit, which won the Global Privacy Assembly’s Accountability Prize in 2022. Alister uses his subject matter expertise to work with organisations to ensure their use of AI is compliant with data protection law. 

Arshia Gratiot is the founder of Eupnoos, a pioneer in the audio phenotyping space developing 
smartphone-based diagnostics for cardiopulmonary diseases. A serial entrepreneur in deep 
technology, Arshia was one of Europe’s early innovators in autonomous aerial robotics before 
transitioning into healthcare. With over a decade of expertise in tech commercialisation, including 
leading the global launch of Nokia's digital maps service in over 75 countries, she has a proven 
track record of turning complex technologies into accessible solutions. Arshia’s contributions to 
the healthcare industry has been widely recognised, earning her multiple awards.

Her commitment to health equity drives Eupnoos’s mission to provide affordable, accessible 
diagnostics to underserved populations. Combining her unique skill set in engineering, AI, and 
digital innovation, Arshia leads Eupnoos in advancing AI and acoustic technology, reshaping the 
way diseases are screened and managed. Under her guidance, Eupnoos is setting new standards 
for early detection and preventive care worldwide. 

Janette is a Media Literacy consultant and founder of Be Smart Cookie Ltd helping parents 
and carers get their children screen smart and safe. 

Janette stepped into media education in 2017 when she headed up the BBC’s media literacy 
project offering skills to audiences to navigate online information. On her watch, thousands 
of young people in the UK, Kenya, Nigeria, India and Brazil learned to spot ‘fake news’ and 
find reliable information  

Supporting media and digital education programmes in the UK and around the world, 
Janette has worked for NGOs, media organisations and education providers including 
schools, community groups, Girl Guides, the British Council and the Commonwealth Centre 
for Connected Learning.

Before her journey into education, Janette was a BBC journalist and award-winning 
documentary film maker.

Rhian is Head of Research for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales. Her role includes managing the Children and Young Adults’ Research Unit, Wales’ first Paediatric Clinical Research Facility, which she helped to establish in 2017. Rhian is also responsible for the development of external partnerships and relationships to support the development and delivery of research and innovation at the CHfW.  
 
In addition, Rhian is a research student at the Hilary Rodham Clinton School of Law, Swansea University, where she is researching the impact of businesses models on drug development for children. 

Muhammad is a consultant pathologist in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. He has a special interest in using digital pathology and AI platforms to improve the services across all the specialties. He has successfully had led teams to deliver innovative projects like all Wales AI deployment in prostatic pathology followed by a breast AI project. He has worked in various management roles in the NHS and regularly provides advice and guidance for national programmes of work. He is currently the national clinical lead for Wales to support digital pathology and AI implementation projects.

Phil splits his time as Director, National Imaging Academy Wales and a Consultant Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiologist at CTMUHB. He has held a number of local and national leadership positions including the Clinical Lead for the National Imaging Academy Development, Clinical Lead for MSc Medical Ultrasound award at University of South Wales, Clinical Director (Radiology) and Co-Chair of the NHS Wales Imaging Essential Services Group during the COVID-19 pandemic.  He has strong clinical and training interests in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, Sports Injury and Guided Intervention as well as pursuing Innovations in Radiology Services.

Chris is a Consultant Clinical Scientist, an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science at Swansea University, and an Honorary Professor in the Wales Institute of Science and Art. He is currently Head of TriTech & Innovation in Hywel Dda University Health Board, President Elect of the UK Academy for Healthcare Science and Clinical Director within the Assistive technologies and innovation centre, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. 

Holding fellowships from the AHCS and IPEM, he is also a Chartered Scientist and a Chartered Engineer. He’s a member of the expert advisory committee within MHRA, a member of the Health Technology Wales appraisal panel, Deputy Director of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Research and Innovation Council @ IPEM and was awarded the Excellence in Healthcare Science Research and Innovation Award at the NHS England Chief Scientific Officer’s Excellence in Healthcare Science Awards 2022. 

David is part of the Advice Service team at NICE providing detailed advice to companies on evidence generation and health economics. The Advice Service works with organisations seeking to enter the NHS market, advising on how to generate evidence to support this. David has worked across Wales in a number of roles including as a Senior Researcher at Health Technology Wales (HTW) and Health Technology Analyst at All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC). 

Genevieve is Professor of Classics and Turing Fellow at the University of Bristol. She specialises in bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives in both her research and applied work. She is particularly interested in how cultural narratives about technology and risk can help us grasp the complexities of technologies such as AI. Genevieve has published a number of books, articles, and reports on these topics. By blending her expertise in storytelling with her passion for technology, she provides a fresh perspective that makes the digital world more accessible and understandable for everyone.

Rob is the CEO and co-founder of Early Ideas Limited and a Clinical Assistant Professor at LSHTM. He holds degrees in Medicine, International Health, Public Health, and a PhD in Child Health and Development. Rob's career spans clinical practice, international development, academia, and industry. He has worked with the UK Department for International Development, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, and consulted for various organizations. At LSHTM, he teaches and researches the impact of environments on child health. In 2023, he co-founded Early Ideas Limited to create digital tools for early childhood, focusing on underprivileged communities. Rob also serves on the Play Commission.

Matthew leads the AWS Global Health and Non-Profit AI and Analytics team focused on how data, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence can help transform health systems and improve patient outcomes. His team of innovation specialists, solution architects, and data scientists work directly with customers to accelerate adoption of analytics, AI and Generative technologies. Recent customer projects include multimodal cancer patient stratification, automated literature review, and medical information provision. Prior roles include Director AI at Deloitte UK, and European Head of Watson Health at IBM where he led delivery of pan-European analytics and real-world evidence platforms, AI triage solutions, and worked with international governments on national data strategies and the application of AI and other emerging technologies for policy development and provision of public services.

Dr. James Peake, M.D., former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Army Surgeon General, is a senior vice president at CGI Federal overseeing healthcare programs. He was the principal advocate for veterans in the U.S. government, directing the second largest cabinet department. During his tenure, the VA employed over 280,000 people and had a budget of $97.5 billion in 2009. A St. Louis native, Dr. Peake graduated from U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966, served in Vietnam, and earned a medical doctorate from Cornell University in 1972. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with “V” device, and Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. He served as Army Surgeon General from 2000 to 2004.

Louisa has a strong track record of internationally-recognised experience in leading research, development, and communication of innovative data science products. With a career spanning astrophysics research, the Civil Service, and the NHS, Louisa has developed and delivered multi-million-pound R&D programmes. A self-confessed ‘data nerd,’ Louisa joined PHW in 2022 from her role as Chief Data Scientist at the Office for National Statistics, where she led a world-class data science programme. Currently, Louisa provides data and analysis to improve the health and well-being of the people of Wales and leads innovation for actionable insights. She chairs the AI Working Group for AI in Health and Social Care in Wales.

Said is a digital transformation leader with 30+ years of experience across public and private sectors. He specialises in AI, RPA, and human-computer software interaction, driving efficiency and innovation. Passionate about strategic partnerships, he mentors cross-disciplinary teams to navigate digital transformational change. Said holds a Doctorate from Cardiff University, researching intelligent process automation and the future of work, and an Executive MBA from Swansea University. His expertise spans AI, machine learning, and Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt methodologies, making him a key voice in AI-driven transformation.

Peter brings over 20 years of expertise in data and analytics within NHS Wales. As the Deputy Director of Data and Analytics at the NHS Wales Executive, Peter leads a dedicated team responsible for providing critical advice, support, and analysis on ministerial priorities for the Welsh Government, NHS Wales Executive colleagues, and the broader NHS in Wales.  His passion lies in applying mathematical models to support the planning and delivery of NHS services. In addition to his primary role, Peter has recently taken on the responsibilities of an associate Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO). He is currently exploring the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence within his organisation.

Katie is the Digital Lead for the Digital Care Hub. For social care providers and by social care providers, the Digital Care Hub provides free guidance and support to care organisations on technology, data protection and cyber security. Katie is the co-convener of the Oxford Project on the Responsible Use of Generative AI in Adult Social Care, working closely with the Institute of Ethics in AI, Oxford University. The Oxford Project has recently published a draft AI Ethics Framework which is currently being consulted on which Katie has been involved in. Katie is passionate about supporting digital engagement for social care providers. 

Alisha is an NHS Consultant in Public Health and Head of Research and Evaluation at Public Health Wales. She is a strategic leader in development and delivery of public health research and evaluation to inform health policy and practice; and her work extends to equity in digital health and AI. Alisha was the Health Theme Lead for the AI for Science and Government programme at the Turing and co-chairs the Clinical AI Interest Group. She holds a PhD in epidemiology and an Honorary Professorship at Swansea University. Alisha is a member of the NIHR Public Health Research Prioritisation Committee, Deputy Director of the Centre for Population Health Research in Wales, and leads the Wales Networked Data Lab. Her research focuses on health inequalities and the wider determinants of health, applying AI and data science to inform policy and practice decisions.

Isobel works in Digital Health and Care for the Scottish Government. Her role focuses on AI, Innovation and Development. This involves developing a policy framework for use by health and social care, helping to create conditions for adoption of responsible AI in the sector and ensuring service reform agendas focus on the better use of data and technology.

Glyn was appointed Chief Digital Officer and Director for Analysis for Welsh Government in July 2020. As Chief Digital Officer. His role involves overseeing the Welsh Government's internal digital services and collaborating with the wider public sector to foster a culture of digital change, user-facing public services, and the use of data for the public good. Recent responsibilities include exploring opportunities for AI within Welsh Government and working with the public sector to provide guidance on AI implementation. Additionally, the role includes leading the digital, data, and technology profession within Welsh Government.

Rupa leads the innovation and life sciences portfolio for health and social care enabling small improvements and transformational change through digital, data, medtech and AI, social innovations and life sciences more broadly. She is passionate about the role of current and future innovations to redefine the way health and social care is delivered as well as experienced. Rupa graduated in Psychology from Bangor University, completed a PhD in Health Policy and Public Health from London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (LSHTM) and is training to be a qualified Health Psychologist. She brings over 25 years of experience of working in health and social care across policy, strategy, practice settings and research, in the UK and internationally.

Peter Bannister is an accomplished figure with experience across life sciences and innovation. Peter is the Managing Director of Romilly Life Sciences Ltd, specialising in evidence-led digital product strategy consultancy. As a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Peter holds a DPhil in medical imaging from the University of Oxford, where he also pioneered the commercial development of global artificial intelligence technologies for Rolls Royce Plc.

Peter's impressive portfolio extends to his role as an Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham's Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation. He is a Fellow and Chair of Healthcare at the IET and holds the prestigious title of Academy of Medical Sciences Future Leader in Innovation Enterprise and Research (FLIER). Additionally, he collaborates with organisations such as HDRUK and NIHR to support leadership development and R&D funding programs.

Peter's impact in the field includes his contribution to multiple high-growth biomedical businesses, driving the commercialisation of innovative products for surgery, diagnostics, and digital treatment pathways.