Digital health, a paradox for computing and information technology researchers

Speaker: Ping Yu

Affiliation: University of Wollongong

Time: Tuesday 22/02/2022 from 11:00 to 12:00

Venue: Zoom Only

Zoom ID: 854 9467 5479 Password: 513075

Recording URL: https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/65091307-9d4f-4b43-bbfa-2209aa1ff66b

Abstract: I am glad to read that ‘Western is committed to high-impact research that makes a tangible and ongoing difference in the world, and is responsive to contemporary challenges… We foster strong research ties with industry, the government and the community’. These are really compelling statement and responsible position. Narrow down to the field of digital health, how can we, computing and information technology researchers, implement the value? COVID-19 pandemic further highlights the importance and challenges of digital health. Undoubtedly substantial national investment will be injected into building Australia’s digital health infrastructure and capability. What are the opportunities for computing and information technology researchers? How can we demonstrate leadership and contribution in driving digital health innovation? In this talk, I will share with the colleagues my twenty-year research endeavour in digital health, the lessons learned and the perceived challenges for computing and information technology researchers. Wish this talk will inspire the likeminded colleagues to conceptualise, to plan and to implement own winning research strategies and practices in the fast moving field of digital health.

Biography: Professor Ping Yu is a multi-disciplinary researcher by training, with PhD in biology and Master in Computer Studies. Prof. Yu is a leader in collaborative, industry-based research that advocates and supports the digital transformative agenda of health and aged care sectors in Australia and overseas. Taking social technical approach to joint problem solving, Yu has successfully planned and executed complex, multi-method research on the design, adoption, usage and impact of digital technology in health and aged care for 20 years. Yu’s contribution was recognized by Don Walker Award from Health Informatics Society Australia for improving access to digital technology by the under-developed economy (aged care) early in 2008. Once again, Yu led a multi-disciplinary team to win the 2019 Research OSCAR (ROSCAR) Award for the Best Multi-disciplinary Project at Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District. Currently Yu’s research is focused on knowledge engineering, natural language processing and machine learning. The project aims include developing decision support systems for risk prediction in health and aged care, understanding hospital processes, and improving efficiency of emergency services, and drug and alcohol services.