DERI Research Day: AI at QMUL: From Foundations to Societal Impact
When: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: Arts Two, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Campus
QM's Digital Environment Research Institute DERI, brings together world-leading researchers to drive new multi-disciplinary data science.
Join us for a day of talks, discussions, and networking exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming research, industry, and society. The programme brings together leading academics, industry experts, and early-career researchers to share insights across a range of AI applications — from health and digital twins to natural systems and responsible AI.
We are also delighted to welcome industry partners NVIDIA and Dell, who will share their perspectives on emerging AI technologies and how advances in computing infrastructure are enabling new possibilities for research and innovation.
The day will feature keynote and industry perspectives, short research talks from QMUL academics, lightning presentations from early-career researchers, interactive breakout sessions, and opportunities to engage with demonstrations and posters throughout the event.
Whether you are interested in cutting-edge AI research, real-world applications, or the societal implications of emerging technologies, the agenda is designed to encourage conversation, collaboration, and new ideas.
Call for Posters
We invite PhD students, Research Associates, and Research Technicians to showcase their research by presenting posters on data science and AI-related topics..
Application to present a poster at the DERI Research Day 2026 – Fill in form
We will begin the day in ArtsTwo (Lecture theatre) on the Mile End Campus
Agenda
09:00 - Arrival and Poster set-up
Coffee available ☕
09:30 – Welcome Address
Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal, QMUL
09:40 – Keynote Speaker
Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE
A leading advocate for harnessing digital technology for the public good, Lord Holmes focuses on emerging fields such as AI and blockchain. His work spans key areas of innovation and application, including FinTech, GovTech, RegTech, Assistive Technology, and EdTech.
10:10 – Industry Talk
NVIDIA
10:40 - QMUL AI in Action : Academic short talks🎤
Claude Chelala, Professor of Bioinformatics, Barts Cancer Institute
Sean Gong, Professor of Visual Computation, School of Electronic Engineering & Computer Science
Guan Tang, Reader in Commercial Law, Centre for Commercial Law Studies
11:30 - QMUL AI in Action : Lightning Talks⚡
DERI Early Career Researchers
5x talks - DERI ECRs talks showcasing emerging research in Ai
Speakers to be announced
12:00 - Networking lunch with demos + posters 🍎🥪💧
13:30 - 👥💬Join the discussion in our afternoon breakout sessions:🚴Bike parks
Track A: AI for Health and Digital Twins
Room 2.17
Chaired by Venet Osmani, Caroline Roney, Michael Barnes
Track B: AI for Natural & Engineered Systems
Room 3.16
Chaired by Cédric John, Mona Jaber
Track C: Responsible, Creative & Societal AI
Room 3.20
Chaired by Gina Neff, David Leslie
15:00 - Coffee Break ♨️☕
15:30 - Panel Discussion
Industry perspectives across Dell & NVIDIA
Speakers to be announced
16:10 - Poster Awards🎉
🌟AI for Human Health and Life Sciences
🌟AI for Natural & Engineered Systems
🌟Responsible, Creative & Societal AI
16:20 - Closing Remarks
Followed by drinks reception 🥂
Additional Information ℹ️
Food: A selection of vegan, gluten-free, and halal options 🥗 will be available.
Please email deri@qmul.ac.uk if you have any additional dietary requirements.
Accessibility: ♿The venue is wheelchair accessible . If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know when registering.
Transport: Mile End Tube station is a 5 minute walk, with Central, District, Hammersmith and City Lines. TFL Plan a journey.
Bike parks are available throughout the Mile End campus,
We look forward to seeing you there!