Plenary Session 4 - From Data to Decisions: AI, Surveillance, and the Future of Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention
| Wednesday, September 16, 2026 |
| 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM |
| Wala mirr Theatre (Plenary room) |
Overview
Speakers: Dr. Roisin McNaney | Assoc. Prof. Amy Peacock
Details
Session co-chairs: Ms Shayal Prasad & Dr. M Tasdik Hasan
Speakers:
1. Dr. Roisin McNaney - Professor of Digital Health, University of Melbourne
2. Associate Professor Amy Peacock - Associate Professor and Deputy Director, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW
Emerging technologies and data-driven approaches are transforming how we understand, prevent, and respond to alcohol and other drug (AOD) harms. This session brings together two leading global researchers to explore how artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and population-level surveillance can strengthen prevention, improve service delivery, and inform evidence-based policy. The presentations will showcase the use of AI in AOD and social services, alongside cutting-edge research on monitoring emerging drug trends, pharmaceutical opioid use, alcohol-related harms, and translating data into timely public health action. Together, the speakers will demonstrate how innovation can support safer, more responsive, and equitable health systems.
Speaker
Dr Roisin McNaney
Associate Professor of Digital Health
University of Melbourne
Keynote 1 - Extending the Reach of Care Alcohol and Other Drugs Service Provision: Human-led, AI-enabled
Abstract
AI is already in the room. The question is no longer if we use it but how. In this talk, A/Professor Róisín McNaney (University of Melbourne) explores what AI can genuinely do for a sector under strain, where more than half the AoD workforce reports overtime and burnout. She explores practical opportunities alongside the risks clinicians need to be alert to right now.
Associate Professor Amy Peacock
Associate Professor and Deputy Director
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW
Keynote 2
