Speakers
Speaker
Delve into how artificial intelligence and robotics could revolutionise the social care sector and examine the potential of these technologies to support caregivers, improve service delivery, and enhance the well-being of those receiving care. From robotic assistants to AI-driven care planning, the session explores both current developments and future possibilities, whilst also addressing ethical considerations, workforce impact, and the importance of human-centred design in care settings.
Dr Chris Papadopoulos is a public health academic and charity leader with a strong track record of research and thought leadership on the application of artificial intelligence, robotics, and technology in health and social care. He co-authored Transcultural Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Health and Social Care (Elsevier, 2022), and led the UK arm of the EU–Japan CARESSES trial, the first randomised controlled trial testing culturally competent AI-embedded socially assistive robots in older adult care homes. His research has also explored large language models in social care, ethical boundaries in AI, and the potential of technology-enabled care to improve outcomes for older people.
Chris is also one of the most active commentators internationally on the application and use of AI and large language models for autistic and neurodivergent people, with multiple recent papers in Neurodiversity exploring both opportunities and risks. Few have written more extensively on this theme.
He has been invited to speak on these subjects at major platforms including the Care Show, UK Care Week, Future of Care Leaders Conference, European Social Services Conference, The King’s Fund, and the Royal College of Physicians. He also advises governments, regulators and professional bodies on technology-enabled care, including as expert advisor to the Scottish Government’s Care Inspectorate for Technology Enabled Care and evaluator for the European Commission’s Public Health Best Practices scheme.
Beyond technology, Chris is a recognised voice in neurodiversity and mental health, author of Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopaedia (Routledge, 2025), and CEO of the London Autism Group Charity. His work combines academic rigour, lived experience, and practical insights into how innovation can be harnessed inclusively to deliver better, fairer systems of care.