The Robert Koch Institute’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research will convene the third symposium on artificial intelligence and machine learning for public health research in Berlin on Sept. 9–10, 2026, organizers announced. The event is intended to promote interdisciplinary exchange among researchers, public health professionals, regulators and technology specialists.
Agenda and focus areas
Program organizers say the meeting will cover a range of topics where AI and machine learning intersect with public health practice and research. Key themes include:
- AI-supported decision-making for routine public health actions and policy;
- Applications of AI in infectious disease response and antimicrobial resistance;
- Use of AI/ML to bolster pandemic preparedness;
- Approaches to regulatory frameworks and ethics for AI in public health;
- Links between climate change impacts and health surveillance using AI methods.
Who will attend and format
Organizers expect about 200 participants representing public health agencies, universities, research institutes, government bodies and international organizations. The program will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, a poster session and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening collaborations across sectors.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dates | Sept. 9–10, 2026 |
| Venue | Conference Centre of the German Federal Ministries, Mauerstraße 27, 10117 Berlin |
| Host | Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research (RKI ZKI-PH) |
| Expected audience | Approximately 200 participants |
Target audience and participation
The symposium is designed for a range of professionals involved in public health and digital health, including epidemiologists, data scientists, clinicians working in population health, policy makers and early-career researchers. Registration is open through the event website; organizers note that the registration deadline is Aug. 30, 2026.
Funding support for the symposium comes through the AI-DAVis project, which is financed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). The Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research at the Robert Koch Institute serves as the host and contact point for inquiries (email: ai-in-public-health@rki.de).
For U.S. public health agencies and researchers, the meeting may offer insights into evolving best practices, ethical frameworks and regulatory approaches abroad as jurisdictions adapt to the rapid deployment of AI tools in disease surveillance, prevention and health system decision-making. Attendance and published outputs from the symposium could inform domestic discussions about validation, oversight and coordination when integrating AI into public health workflows.
