The Higginson Lecture 11th November 2026

	Title
	The Role of Engineering and Computer Sciences in Overcoming Healthcare Challenges
	Speaker
	Professor Rebecca Shipley OBE FREng FIET Professor of Healthcare Engineering, UCL Mechanical Engineering Chief Research Officer, UCLPartners
	Event Sponsors
	The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Abstract:

The challenges for healthcare systems are unprecedented, exacerbated by the burdens of infectious and chronic disease, ageing populations, inequalities, fragmented systems and workforce shortages. New technological approaches are needed to harness the potential of routine and novel health data and digital solutions to enable transformational improvement of care pathways and outcomes.

This talk will explore the multifaceted challenges confronting the NHS and highlight how advancements in engineering and computer sciences (and multidisciplinary, multisector collaboration more broadly) can play a pivotal role in addressing these issues. From the integration of computational models and artificial intelligence for predictive analytics and personalized medicine, to the development of smart medical devices and telehealth solutions linked to preventative medicine, the potential for technology to transform healthcare delivery is immense. This talk will examine case studies in these areas and the importance of a pipeline approach, where the needs of end-users and the operation of the healthcare system as a whole are embedded in the ideation and development of healthcare innovations.

The Speaker

Prof. Shipley’s research develops computational models to simulate and optimize diagnostic tools and treatments. She has developed modelling-imaging platforms to better understand the role of vascular architecture and function on tissue behaviours in health and disease, with application areas including cancers, nervous system injury and cardiovascular disease. Prof. Shipley is a passionate advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration and the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice. She established and led the UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering (2018-2024), which brings together experts from a wide range of disciplines to tackle healthcare challenges and has received numerous awards and honours for her contribution to the field of healthcare engineering (including an OBE for pandemic services). In 2024, Becky joined UCLPartners, a health innovation partnership which spans North London and Essex, as Chief Research Officer.

The event is very kindly sponsored by both the IET and the IMechE. Light refreshments will be served from 17:00 in the Higginson Atrium. The lecture will take place in E005, Christopherson Building at 18:00.

Please sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/XGRTw0pZHP