University News Last updated 28 May
Birmingham City University (BCU) has convened leading healthcare professionals, clinicians and AI researchers from across Pakistan and the UK for a major international workshop exploring the future of responsible artificial intelligence in healthcare.
The AI and Healthcare Huddle, led by Professor Atif Azad, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at BCU, examined how AI can be developed and deployed ethically to help address growing pressures on healthcare systems worldwide.
The event has already received national media coverage in Pakistan.
Hosted in Pakistan as a high-level hybrid event, the workshop brought together healthcare leaders from across the country alongside internationally recognised AI experts, creating a unique platform for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Discussions focused on critical issues including governance, accountability, data sovereignty and the urgent need for transparent, auditable AI systems designed around local healthcare needs and patient populations.
The event was organised in collaboration with Professor Junaid Arshad, Head of the Department of Computer Science at BCU, together with Prof Muhammad Rizwan, Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Wah, Professor Muhammad Zaman from Quaid‑e‑Azam University, and Professor Conor Ryan from the University of Limerick. and the University of Limerick.
Contributors also included representatives from leading medical institutions such as Aga Khan University, Shifa International Hospital and Ayub Medical College.
Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice Chancellor at BCU, said: “This initiative reflects Birmingham City University’s commitment to responsible innovation and meaningful global partnerships.
“By working alongside leading institutions in Pakistan, we are helping to shape AI solutions that are ethical, trustworthy and grounded in real healthcare needs.”
The initiative reflects the ambitions set out in BCU’s Strategy 2030, particularly its pillars to ‘Create Knowledge for Good’ and ‘Power Prosperity’ through impactful global research, international collaboration and innovation that improves health and wellbeing.
The workshop further demonstrates BCU’s commitment to developing responsible, inclusive technologies that deliver real-world societal impact.