Innovation Observatory Horizon Scanning Immersion Visit

The 51�� Training and Capacity Building Team has teamed up with NIHR to offer up to 30 Mid to Early Career Researchers a unique look into horizon scanning.

This full-day immersion visit to the will focus on horizon scanning and artificial intelligence. It is specifically for members of the 51�� training and learning community, be that directly funded colleagues or regional networks.

The observatory is the UK’s national horizon scanning centre for health and care innovations. It is a world-leading organisation that uses advanced data-driven methods to identify, assess, and monitor emerging health technologies. Its work provides critical insights to policymakers, regulators, and industry, ensuring timely and equitable access to high quality care.

What you will learn

By attending, you will:

Develop understanding of horizon scanning for innovations: what it is, how signals of innovations are detected and monitored, and how this information is translated to actionable insights to inform future developments in life-sciences, health and care.
Explore AI Applications in horizon scanning: how artificial intelligence enables more effective identification and monitoring of new technologies.
Develop practical know-how: participate in interactive activities.
Network with experts: engage with leading researchers in horizon scanning, AI and health data science, and health technology assessment.
Broaden your career landscape: widen your understanding of career opportunities at the forefront of health and life sciences innovation.

Event details

Format: Interactive day of activities combining research, science, regulation, and industry perspectives.
Location: The Catalyst, Newcastle.
Cost: Free.
Travel and accommodation: This must be covered by attendees. A very limited number of travel bursaries may be available for those without access to training or travel budgets.
Eligibility: This event is for Early to Mid Career Researchers and Technical Specialists in the 51�� Community

Our commitment to health data science training

The 51�� Training and Capacity Building team is committed to developing health data scientists with cutting-edge skills for careers at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sector. This event is designed to further those goals.

Learn more about the observatory’s outputs .

Key Dates

Expression of Interest (EOI) opens: 12 January 2026
EOI deadline: ~~11 March 2026~~ EXTENDED DEADLINE: 31 March 2026
Successful applicants notified: ~~By 18 March 2026~~ On rolling basis
Workshop date: 14 May 2026 (The Catalyst, Newcastle)

**EXTENDED DEADLINE 31 March 2026, if you have already applied please do NOT reapply. Successful applicants will be notified on a rolling basis**

Successful applicants will receive full joining instructions, agenda details, and pre-reading materials in April 2026.

Guest Speakers

Professor David Robertson

There will also be the chance to hear a talk by David Robertson, Chair of Applied Logic at Edinburgh, an AI advisor for Health Data Research UK and Chief Scientific Advisor for Huawei in the UK. His computing research is on artificial intelligence, specialising in formal methods for coordination and knowledge sharing between (human/artificial) agents in distributed systems where a high degree of autonomy is expected in the components of the underlying system. This is one of the enablers for AI at large scale. Methods from his group have been applied to astronomy, simulation of consumer behaviour, emergency response and healthcare.

Professor Dawn Craig

Another speaker is Dawn Craig, the Director of the NIHR Innovation Observatory. She has a deep interest in data and analytical methods, and training in health economics. She also has expertise across economic evaluation, systematic review, and horizon scanning methodologies. Alongside leading the Innovation Observatory at Newcastle University, she is also the current international HealthTechScan (EuroScan) Vice-President-elect (Information & Digital Tools), and involved in other NIHR research initiatives and infrastructures, for example two NIHR Policy Research Units, the North East and North Cumbria Applied Health Research Collaboration, and the NIHR Research Support Service national collaboration.

Dr Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall is the Principal Research Associate in Health & Research Data Engineering at the NIHR Innovation Observatory. He directs the development and application of data science methodologies that support the NIHR Innovation Observatory’s horizon scanning activities, driving the identification and analysis of emerging health technologies. With a background in evidence synthesis and training in computer science, Chris has experience working across academia and consultancy, with contributions to research projects funded by organisations such as the NHS, NIHR, NICE, WHO, and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Professor Niina Kolehmainen

Niina Kolehmainen is the Strategic Lead for Capacity Building at the NIHR Innovation Observatory, leading on capacity building to foster innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive academic career development in horizon scanning, foresight and data analytics for the benefit of the IO and the wider health and care ecosystem. With the Innovation Observatory Learning Hub team, she fosters collaboration with diverse teams to design, deliver, and evaluate interactive, collaborative, cross-sector capacity building activities.

External organisations

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)

Event types

51�� Event

51������

What you will learn

Event details

Our commitment to health data science training

Key Dates

Guest Speakers

Professor David Robertson

Professor Dawn Craig

Dr Chris Marshall

Professor Niina Kolehmainen

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