First speakers announced for Summer Schools 2026

The first speakers have been announced for Digital Health Summer Schools 2026 – the premier learning and networking event for digital health leaders.

Professor Kathrin Cresswell, professor of digital innovation in health and care at the University of Edinburgh, will speak at the event which takes place at the University of Nottingham on 16-17 July 2026.

Creswell is an internationally renowned digital health academic who has advised the World Health Organisation, Harvard Medical Schools and NHS England and has had more than 140 peer-reviewed publications in international academic journals and £56 million in research grant funding.

She has also taught more than 450 national and international IT leaders about technology strategy and system implementation.

Attendees will also hear from three senior digital leaders shaping and delivering large-scale NHS transformation:

• Andy Callow, chief digital and information officer at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
• Hayley Grafton, group chief nursing information officer (CNIO) at University Hospitals of Leicester and Northamptonshire and chair of the Digital Health Networks CNIO Advisory Panel
• Dr Penny Kechagioglou, chief clinical information officer (CCIO) at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and chair of the Digital Health Networks CCIO Advisory Panel

The two-day conference in Nottingham has a revamped format which doubles down on small-group and interactive sessions to provide attendees with more practical insights and deeper knowledge exchange.

Grafton said: “Unlike other conferences, Summer Schools emphasises learning from each other’s lived experience, policy and direction setting.

“Sessions include formal presentations, collaborative workshops and informal discussions, sharing best practices in an open and friendly atmosphere.”

With more than 300 delegates in attendance, there will be ample networking opportunities to reconnect with the Digital Health Networks community and make new connections.

The social programme includes a pre-event BBQ and middle-night dinner, where the winners of the Digital Health Awards will be revealed and the top-ranking person of the inaugural Digital Health Impact List will be honoured.

Summer Schools is exclusively for members of the Digital Health Networks, the UK’s largest health IT community. It is open to current and aspiring digital health leaders.

The event is supported by Networks sponsors Altera, AWS, CereCore, Dell Technologies and AMD, Imprivata, InterSystems, Microsoft, Salesforce.

Prices start from £399 +VAT. Twenty percent group discounts are available for groups of four or more attendees, with spaces limited. Secure your place today and register here.