Inspirational speakers will take to the stage at Coventry University’s TEDx event this week to share their insight on important topics, from autonomous vehicles to mental well-being in children.
The independently organised event takes place under a licence granted by TEDx, on Creating Better Futures to examine how personal growth can positively impact business and society at Square One within TheHub at Coventry University.
Among the speakers, who all come from across the Coventry University community, is mechanical engineer Patricia Ashman, with her talk entitled ‘Are you off your Trolley? Ethical Considerations around the Behaviour of Autonomous Vehicles in Society’.
Computer scientist Dr Will Blewitt will explore how technologies developed for leisure have been picked up and repurposed for real-world applications. At the same time, Professor Kiran Patel, chief medical officer and consultant cardiologist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, and Coventry University honorary professor will speak on healthcare with his talk entitled ‘The future of Health and Healthcare: Safe and Sustainable’.
Dr Natasha Taylor will examine healthcare simulation, an area in which Coventry University is pushing the use of ground-breaking technology.
Dr Taylor said: ‘It’s fair to say we are an essential player in this area through our 5G VR system and our advanced Artificial Intelligence patients. My talk will focus on the history of healthcare simulation, how it is a matter of life and death, and the important work we have undertaken in this field. Hosting a prestigious TEDx event is fantastic for Coventry University; it gives us the chance to showcase our research and the work we do.’
‘I’d hope those coming along will be entertained, informed, and they might even be able to raise a few smiles about some serious subjects.’
Academic midwife Dr Sally Pezaro will speak about the important part midwives must play in healthcare leadership and decision-making roles, and Lucy Pearce, business owner and mental well-being advocate, will deliver a talk on building mental resilience and fortitude in children.
In business, Chloe Hollingsworth, CEO of Bottle Blonde Studio, will speak about how to turn a dream into reality. At the same time, Sukanlaya Sawang, professor of Entrepreneurship at Coventry University’s Faculty of Business and Law, will examine how we can create a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs.
Paul Fairburn, Coventry University’s Innovation director, will host the event. TED, which began in 1984, is a non-profit organisation devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. The TEDx programme helps communities, organisations, and individuals produce TED-style events locally.
Coventry University’s TEDx event will take place on Friday 20th May from 10 am – 3 pm. The event is free and open to members of the university community, but space is limited, book a ticket, visit here.
The event will be live-streamed for the public.