Brussels became the epicenter of biomedical discourse this week as it hosted the much-anticipated “Science for Health 2024” summit at the SQUARE Convention Centre. Drawing scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and tech entrepreneurs from across the globe, the summit focused on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in the health sector.
The event featured a powerful lineup of keynote speakers, including Professor Yves Moreau of KU Leuven, Jack Scannell of Etheros, and Mieke De Ketelaere from Vlerick Business School. These thought leaders delved into the theme of “ethical AI by design,” emphasizing the importance of embedding ethical considerations into every layer of AI development and deployment in healthcare. They explored how AI is already revolutionizing drug discovery, clinical diagnostics, and patient data management, while also warning of the ethical and security challenges that must be addressed.
Breakout sessions allowed for deeper exploration into critical topics such as the integration of AI-powered diagnostic tools, the secure handling and sharing of sensitive health data, and the development of robust ethical frameworks that can guide innovation without stifling it. Panels and workshops frequently returned to the same pressing question: how can Europe transition from being a center of innovation to a region known for swift, responsible implementation?
A key highlight of the summit was the roundtable discussion titled “Can AI Scale Safely in Healthcare?” Here, stakeholders from Flanders and Wallonia came together to discuss cross-regional collaborations. They emphasized the need for harmonized regulations and infrastructure that could enable Belgium to serve as a proving ground—a “sandbox”—for testing and refining AI applications in real-world healthcare settings.
The diverse mix of attendees, including startup founders, academic researchers, and government officials, fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and partnerships. There was a shared understanding that the window for theoretical exploration is closing, and that the time for execution is now. The urgency of translating cutting-edge research into actionable, scalable solutions was a consistent theme throughout the week.
By the summit’s conclusion, Belgium had firmly positioned itself as a rising leader in the European healthtech arena. The groundwork laid at Science for Health 2024 is expected to catalyze not only national advancements but also cross-border initiatives that could reshape the future of digital health across the continent. As one participant noted, “The next frontier isn’t just innovation—it’s implementation with integrity.”
Science for Health 2024 has left no doubt: Belgium is ready to lead the charge into a new era of AI-driven healthcare, setting standards that could reverberate well beyond its borders.
