The AI & Wellbeing Autumn Forum 2025 featured two panel sessions that brought together researchers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss the future of AI and wellbeing from both ethical and enterprise perspectives.
AI x Psychology x Wellbeing
The first panel, Research Perspectives – AI x Psychology x Wellbeing, delved into the psychological implications of AI technologies, highlighting both their potential and their risks. Speakers Tanya Goodin, Founder & CEO of EthicAI, Dr. Amid Ayobi, UCL Interaction Centre, and Prof. Tali Sharot, Director, UCL Affective Brain Lab, discussed the growing use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT for self-care, the challenges of emotional outsourcing, and the need for human-centric design. A key theme was the importance of democratising access to mental health support while safeguarding against bias and manipulation. Attendees were inspired by ideas such as 'digital nutrition labels' to help users make informed online decisions and tools that could predict mental health episodes using browsing data.
From Innovation to Impact
The second panel, Industry & Investment – From Innovation to Impact, showcased emerging technologies and the challenges of funding AI solutions in the wellbeing space. Investors and entrepreneurs shared insights on building sustainable, ethical AI products, including companion robots like RoBear and TuringPal (a desktop penguin designed to support elderly users by facilitating conversation, reminders and family communications). The discussion emphasised the need for inclusive, locally-driven AI models and the importance of aligning innovation with genuine societal needs. Speakers included Elif Sancak, Investor at HCVC, Kath Xu, Angel Investor, Dr. Cai Dongqi, Founder RoBear Project, Kyle Jensen, Founder MoodMetrics AI and Shangyu Cao, Founder TuringPal.
This student-led initiative sparked meaningful dialogue on how AI can be harnessed to support human flourishing.
A huge congratulations to students of the Population Health Sciences Society (PHSS) for exceptional organisation, professionalism, hospitality and enthusiasm.
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