Harnessing the power of technology to improve lives

27th April 2016

Hundreds of world leading scientists and health care professionals who are helping to improve lives through revolutionary technology are set to gather in Sheffield for an international event.

The University of Sheffield has been chosen to host the prestigious Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) Conference a global event which brings together experts from across the world who are harnessing the power of technology to help us live well and age well. The University was chosen to host the 14th annual conference in September 2017 as part of a Congress of events due to the success of its pioneering Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH). CATCH is a multi-disciplinary research centre which brings together over 70 leading academics from 16 different departments and five faculties to research, develop, evaluate and implement new technologies. The 2017 AAATE Congress will address challenges from around the world where Assistive Technology could deliver benefits to the increasing population of people with disabilities and the ageing society. The ageing population means the number of people with long-term conditions and disability is rising and CATCH conducts ground-breaking research to provide solutions to enable people to receive the care and support they need in their own homes and community. In common with the AAATE the intention of such research is to make a significant and lasting contribution to the quality of life and independence of these people. Mark Hawley, CATCH Director, said: -We are delighted to be hosting the conference next year. CATCH is leading the way in assistive technology research and we are keen to facilitate discussions, create networking opportunities and share research in this area. The conference is expected to attract over 500 delegates from a range of academic disciplines, health and social care professionals, policy makers, and industry. Previous venues for the conference include Vilamoura in Portugal, Maastricht in the Netherlands and Florence in Italy. Dr Peter Cudd, President of the AAATE, said: -The University of Sheffield, with its strong international reputation, is the perfect place to host the biannual conference and the University's Diamond building is a fantastic venue to talk about innovation and excellence. For the first time various satellite events are planned around the two full day conference including a public exhibition, a student hackathon, a host of workshops, demonstrations and formal presentation sessions. Individuals, researchers, businesses and organisations wishing to propose a focus on a specific topic should contact: info@aaate2017.eu For more information about the conference and to register your interest in attending the event visit www.aaate2017.eu To find out more about CATCH visit www.catch.org.uk