Building on the UCL Grand Challenge of Transformative Technology
24 June 2025, 1:00 pm–5:30 pm

An opportunity to look back on what was achieved and look forward to connect the future of responsible innovation.
Event Information
Open to
- All
Availability
- Yes
Organiser
-
UCL Grand Challenges
Location
-
Elvin Hall20 Bedford WayLondonWC10 0AL
Join us for a warm celebration of the Grand Challenge for Transformative Technology (GCTT), where we’ll reflect on the impact of the cutting-edge research that was funded by this Grand Challenge and explore what’s next in the realm of Transformative Technology.
This interactive event will feature inspiring project highlights, thought-provoking panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations of innovative research.
The day will be hosted by the Grand Challenges' Co Chairs; Professor Marc-Olivier Coppens (UCL Chemical Engineering and UCL Centre for Nature-Inspired Engineering), Professor Patty Kostkova (UCL Centre for Digital Public Health in Emergencies (dPHE), Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction) and Dr James Paskins (UCL Grand Challenges).
As well as being joined by the current Pro-Vice Provost for the Data Empowered Societies Grand Challenge, Professor Allison Littlejohn (UCL Knowledge Lab) and Director of the Grand Challenges programme Sam Balch (UCL Grand Challenges) for a panel discussion.
As well as this, we have invited some previous award holders as our special guests including:
- Dr Sahan Bulathwela, Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence, UCL Department of Computer Science
- Dr Matthew Chin, Research Fellow, UCL Centre for Nature Inspired Engineering
- Dr Zeynep Engin, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, UCL Engineering Science
- Patty Kostkova, Professor in Digital Health and Director for UCL Centre for Digital Public Health in Emergencies, Institute of Risk and Disaster Reduction
- Terence Leung, Professor of Digital Health, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering
- Darren Player, Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Bioengineering, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences
- Dr Luba Prout, Research Fellow, Departments of Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, and the Plastic Waste Innovation Hub
- Dr Catherine Walker, Associate Staff, UCL Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and Guest Researcher, University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science
Connect with fellow UCL staff, students, and researchers and discover opportunities for future collaboration as GCTT transitions into numerous new Grand Challenge themes.
Date: Tuesday 24th June
Time: 1:00–5:30 PM (including lunch and networking)
Location: Elvin Hall, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London.
Agenda includes:
- Lunch
- Opening and welcome
- Award holders stories
- Panel discussion
- Live demonstrations, networking, cheese and wine
This event is open to all, please register with your UCL email if you have one.
Please note there will be photography taken at this event.