King's College London

More than 200 nurses from across the UK and beyond gathered at King’s College London on 1 September 2026 for the first conference in the world dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and nursing.

The event brought together clinicians, researchers, educators and digital leaders to explore how nurses are shaping the development and use of AI in healthcare.

Hosted by the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, the inaugural AI Nurses Network Conference showcased a growing community of nurses leading innovation in patient care, clinical documentation, decision support, ethics and digital transformation.

Throughout the day, speakers shared examples of AI tools being developed and tested in healthcare settings. Presentations highlighted projects ranging from patient monitoring and behaviour change interventions to clinical documentation, fertility care and nursing education. Discussions also explored the ethical and professional challenges associated with introducing AI into healthcare and the importance of ensuring nurses are involved in the design, implementation and governance of new technologies. 

Beyond the presentations, the conference provided an opportunity for nurses interested in AI to build new connections, exchange ideas and establish collaborations. Panel discussions and audience debates highlighted strong interest in developing a national and international community of practice focused on AI in nursing.

Closing the conference, Howard Catton, Chief Executive Officer of the International Council of Nurses, highlighted the critical role nurses must play in shaping the future of AI. He stressed that trust, ethics, regulation, education and global collaboration will be essential to ensuring AI supports professional judgement, reduces health inequalities and improves care while protecting patients, communities and the environment.

The conference was funded by the NIHR Academy, King’s College London and the Burdett Trust for Nursing. Recordings from the event can be viewed on the AI Nurses Network Conference YouTube playlist.

Conference programme highlights

The conference featured presentations from nurses, researchers and healthcare leaders working at the forefront of artificial intelligence in healthcare, including:

• Elizabeth Nassuna, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust: Tracking calcium levels in older people using an AI-enabled digital tool to help prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures.

• Dr Sahar Konsari, Edinburgh Napier University: Exploring the use of AI agents to support behaviour change in people with cardiovascular disease.

• Pavana Pillai, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust and Dr Marion Waite, Oxford Brookes University: Presenting a prototype AI prediction tool to support post-operative patient care.

• Dr Mengying Zhang, King’s College London: Launching an evidence-based AI ethics toolkit for nurses and midwives developed through a systematic review.

• Andreia Trigo, founder and chief executive of Enhanced Fertility: Demonstrating an AI-enabled digital platform supporting people experiencing fertility issues.

• Peter White, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital: Discussing the use of AI-supported clinical documentation and triage tools in paediatric nursing.

• Mafalda Gomes, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Tayo Onipede, King’s College Hospital: Sharing experiences of co-designing and piloting an AI summarisation tool to support nursing handovers and documentation.

• Zainab Qazi: Providing an overview of the NHS Clinical Fellowship in AI and opportunities for nurses interested in digital innovation.