Plenary 2 - Equity and Environment: Layers of Impact
| Tuesday, November 10, 2026 |
| 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Grand Chelsea Ballroom |
Overview
Keynotes:
• Dr Justine Lacey
• A/Prof. Melissa McCradden
• Dr Julie Ayre
Details
Artificial intelligence is reshaping health systems, communities and societies, but its benefits and burdens are not distributed equally. This plenary explores equity across multiple layers of impact, from AI governance and validation to health communication, literacy and community engagement, and the environmental costs of AI development. Bringing together perspectives on ethics, public trust, sustainability and population wellbeing, the session will examine what is needed to ensure AI advances equitable outcomes for people, communities and the planet.
Speaker
Dr Justine Lacey
Principal Research Scientist
CSIRO
AI Through a Planetary Health Lens
Abstract
Artificial intelligence is often presented as a virtual technology, yet its benefits are underpinned by physical infrastructure with real environmental consequences. This presentation explores AI through a planetary health lens, considering the energy, water and resource demands that support its use, alongside questions of environmental justice, equity and wellbeing. It asks how public health might evaluate AI across health, social and environmental outcomes, and what this means for maximising benefits while minimising harms.
Biography
Dr Justine Lacey is a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO with expertise in responsible innovation, trust in science, and the governance of emerging technologies. Formerly the leader of CSIRO’s Responsible Innovation Future Science Platform, she has worked across government, industry and research to strengthen approaches to public engagement and responsible technology development. Her research focuses on how technological innovation can deliver public benefit while addressing broader social, environmental and ethical impacts, particularly at the intersection of equity, sustainability and community wellbeing.
A/Prof. Melissa McCradden
Deputy Director
Australian Institute for Machine Learning
How do we ensure AI provides real value to health systems?
Abstract
This presentation will describe the importance of local evidence for determining proof-of-value for AI translation. Drawing from international consensus-building work, I will present findings from an international Delphi study of participants who have extensive experience in conducting local validations of predictive and generative AI products. I will present emerging findings from the Delphi study which constitute a toolkit for organisations to test for proof-of-value to support AI deployment decisions. I will conclude by exploring next steps for the project including intersection with regulators, health authorities, and consumers.
Biography
A/Prof Melissa McCradden is a bioethicist and clinical researcher. She serves as the Artificial Intelligence Director and Deputy Research Director with the Women's and Children's Health Network, and a Deputy Director and The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group Fellow at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning at the University of Adelaide. She is an Adjunct Scientist with the SickKids Research Institute and member of the SickKids Research Ethics Board in Toronto, Canada. Dr. McCradden's expertise is in the development of ethical frameworks derived from clinical and technical knowledge grounded in policy, law, and moral theory. She serves on multiple international reporting guideline initiatives and consortia, including the WHO/ITU's Clinical Evaluation Task Force in the Focus Group on AI 4 Health as well as the Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Science & Innovation in AI and Digital Health (CERSI-AI).
Dr Julie Ayre
Senior Research Fellow
Sydney Health Literacy Lab, University of Sydney
Unpacking health literacy in the age of generative AI
Abstract
Generative AI has transformed how we seek out health information online. This presentation unpacks what this technology means for health literacy – how it is changing the way that health services and public health organisations think about health communication, as well as the new opportunities and challenges for navigating health information online. The presentation highlights key considerations for creating a safer, more inclusive health information environment for our diverse communities.
Biography
Dr Ayre is an NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow (2023-2027) at the Sydney Health Literacy Lab, University of Sydney. Her research focuses on using digital technology to support health literacy initiatives in the healthcare workforce and the community. She has a strong track record with >80 publications in high quality national and international journals (e.g. npj Digital Medicine, MJA). Dr Ayre sits on the Scientific Advisory Team for the Australian Government’s National Health Literacy Framework.
