Rethinking Remote 2024

Keynote and Plenary Speakers RR24

Keynote Speaker, Lewis Hou

Lewis Hou is the creator of Science Ceilidh, a celebrated social enterprise that champions creativity, STEM, research, and well-being within communities and educational settings. As a leader in science education and public engagement, Lewis excels in integrating scientific inquiry with cultural and creative pursuits. His innovative approach has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Public Engagement Innovator Medal and the title of Community Music Organisation of the Year in Scotland.

A compelling speaker, Lewis has disseminated his expertise on science and community engagement across a variety of platforms, from the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival to the ASE Scotland Conference. His efforts to bridge scientific discourse with diverse audiences cover a broad spectrum of subjects, including neuroscience and cultural democracy.

Lewis’s global footprint extends to his participation in international science festivals and contributions to science communication, enhancing science’s role within different cultural frameworks. His dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society is manifest in his support for initiatives like the STEM Gamechanger Programme and the Science and Technology Facilitates Council’s Advisory Group for the Wonder Initiative, aimed at transforming education and cultural landscapes through science.

With a rich background in neuroscience, Lewis has delved into the study of brain asymmetries and their impact on mental health, sharing his findings on international stages. Beyond academia, his talents as a Scottish fiddle player and country dancer highlight his belief in the arts as a vital tool for science communication.

Lewis Hou’s career is a testament to the power of combining science education, public engagement, and the arts to inspire and educate, making him a pivotal figure in fostering diverse and inclusive scientific communities globally

 

Keynote Speaker, Professor Russel Roberts

Professor Russell Roberts is a leading figure in mental health and well-being, serving as Professor of Management and Leadership at Charles Sturt University, focusing on mental health. He is the National Director of Equally Well Australia, overseeing the implementation of the National Consensus Statement to enhance the physical health of those with mental illness. Additionally, he chairs the Equally Well Symposium, demonstrating his leadership in public health.

Roberts is recognised for his innovative approach to integrating leadership, management, and health service improvement to address disparities in physical health for mental health patients. His work in developing the 2017 Equally Well National Consensus Statement highlights a commitment to improving health outcomes through collaborative efforts.

His advocacy and research contribute to policy and practice, aiming to improve outcomes for vulnerable groups, with a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Roberts advocates for a comprehensive, equitable health care system that meets the unique needs of individuals with mental health conditions.

With expertise in clinical psychology, research, and health service leadership, Roberts is a key advocate in mental health care, promoting an integrated approach that addresses both physical and mental health needs, contributing to the advancement of mental health care in Australia and internationally.

Plenary Speaker, Dr Pam Nicoll

Dr Pam Nicoll serves as the Associate Director of the Remote and Rural Healthcare Education Alliance (RRHEAL) within NHS Education for Scotland. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare education and delivery in remote, rural, and island regions, Dr Nicoll has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities. 

Her association with RRHEAL underscores her dedication to fostering a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare. Dr Nicoll’s work emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts among various healthcare professionals, including those in medicine, nursing, midwifery, and allied health professions. This holistic approach ensures that rural practitioners, staff, and teams are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide optimal care to their communities. 

In addition to her leadership role at RRHEAL, Dr Nicoll has been actively involved in various projects and programs that focus on remote, rural, and island health care education. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape for healthcare professionals in these regions, ensuring that they have access to resources and training tailored to their specific needs. 

Dr Nicoll’s vision for healthcare in remote and rural areas is rooted in her belief in the power of education and collaboration. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and promoting interdisciplinary teamwork, she aims to enhance the quality of care delivered to patients in these regions and ensure that they have access to the best possible healthcare services. 

Plenary Speaker, Karim Mahmoud

Karim Mahmoud is a key figure at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), serving as the Commercial Innovation Lead since 2021. His role is pivotal in shaping and implementing DHI’s commercialisation strategy, leveraging his extensive experience in research and innovation management. Mahmoud’s responsibilities include managing complex research and innovation (R&I) projects, encompassing European-funded grants and Innovate UK investments, with a focus on maximising project impacts and developing effective exploitation strategies.

His career spans across various roles at three of Scotland’s universities, an award-winning spinout company, and contributions to the evaluation panel for the UK’s Knowledge Exchange Concordat. Further demonstrating his expertise, Mahmoud is an assessor for EARMA’s Certificate in Research Management and has contributed to the governance of two charities through board trusteeships.

Educationally, Mahmoud is well-qualified with two postgraduate degrees in life sciences and health innovation, alongside professional qualifications in management and leadership from the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) and Project Management Institute (PMI). This diverse background equips him with a unique blend of scientific knowledge and leadership acumen, enabling him to drive innovation within the digital health and care sector in Scotland and beyond.

Delegate Registration

This event is open to all organisations or individuals (healthcare, emergency services, community, academia, industry, and voluntary sector organisations) interested in remote and rural health and wellbeing. Book your place by registering as a delegate!

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