Am I normal?

Dates: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 18:00 to 19:45
Location: Berrill Lecture Theatre, Open University, Walton Hall Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA

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The risks and benefits of novel health technologies that automatically gather data about individuals and their lifestyles, will be addressed by OU Professor Blaine Price in his inaugural lecture on 28 November 2017.

Blaine Price is Professor of Computing in the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at The Open University (OU). His research interests focus on improving people’s engagement with data gathered from mobile, wearable and so-called ‘ubiquitous computing’ technologies that increasingly form part of our lives. These include developing technologies and policies to protect the privacy rights of individuals and groups; as well as finding ways to improve people’s lives through new medical practices and allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives in their own homes.

Watch a trailer video of Blaine Prices' lecture:

In his inaugural lecture, Am I normal? Professor Price will consider the benefits of collecting data about individuals and demonstrate devices that can measure and monitor individual health histories. He will also discuss some of his current projects which explore how relatively simple and inexpensive technologies may improve surgical outcomes as well as reducing the time older patients need to stay in hospital.

We have reached a technology tipping point. We can now cheaply, continuously and almost effortlessly track a wide range of data about ourselves. Even those without particular health concerns can use their personal history to track changes in themselves and understand what is 'normal' for them as they age.
Blaine Price
Professor of Computing