How AI is transforming public health guidance among headline topics at upcoming conference

The growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies will take centre stage at a major conference for environmental health professionals next week.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) AI and Tech Conference 2026 will bring together experts from across the sector to explore the risks, opportunities and real-world applications of AI, supported by the latest research and case studies.

The conference will be headlined by a keynote session, AI in Action: How AI is Transforming Public Health Guidance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The session will be delivered by UKHSA data scientists Toby Nonnenmacher and Felix Feldman, who will share insights into how AI is already shaping public health decision-making and guidance.

Tom Hindmarch, Digital Policy Adviser for Cyber, Digital & Technology at the Local Government Association (LGA), will lead a session on the role of AI in local government. Drawing on case studies from key service areas, the session will examine current adoption across the sector, highlighting both progress and emerging challenges.

Other highlights from the conference include:

• A session from Ben Yarrow, CEO of Occupid, on how technology is enabling accurate and reliable occupancy intelligence for UK properties.
• Insights into the use of AI to fully automate the initial stage of import document checks at Sevington Border Control Post, presented by CIEH member Anthony Baldock of Ashford Borough Council.
• A discussion on how AI-powered tools can analyse food premises data to help Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) prioritise inspections and target higher-risk activities, led by Graeme Mitchell, Environmental Health Programme Leader at Liverpool John Moores University.
• A session led by Daniel Shorr, CEO of GoLLM, on ‘Closing the Digital Divide’ looking at how ready local authorities are in this area.

Nikki Pearson, Head of Events and Membership Engagement at CIEH, said:

“As AI and emerging technologies continue to reshape the way we work, it is vital that environmental health professionals are equipped to navigate both the opportunities and the challenges they present.

“Since our first AI and Tech Conference last year, the influence and adoption of AI has grown significantly. We are delighted to be bringing together leading experts and real-world case studies to explore how innovation can enhance environmental health, improve service delivery and ultimately help safeguard communities.”

The half-day conference on Wednesday, 1 July is open to both CIEH members and non-members – for the full programme and to book a place visit: https://www.cieh.org/events/2026/july/cieh-ai-and-tech-conference/