Reflections from UKIO 2026
UKIO continues to provide an important opportunity for professionals across medical physics, clinical engineering, radiography, oncology, industry and academia to come together to share innovation and discuss the future of healthcare technology. Attending this year's congress offered valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our profession, particularly around AI adoption, workforce development and patient-centred service design
The opening day of UKIO 2026 in Liverpool began with a compelling keynote from Professor Shafi Ahmed, “Intelligent: the evolution of AI transforming healthcare.” This provided a strong foundation for a programme centred on innovation delivered safely, thoughtfully and with clear patient benefit.
Across the day, sessions emphasised practical implementation rather than technological optimism. While artificial intelligence featured prominently, discussions consistently highlighted the importance of delivering meaningful improvements to clinical pathways, integrating effectively into established workflows and maintaining appropriate clinical oversight. An excellent and expert panel discussion led by Monique Rasband (KLAS Research), “Scaling AI: why so many fail and few win,” reinforced these themes, drawing attention to the challenges of adoption at scale and the need for vendors to demonstrate tangible value in real-world clinical settings. A clear message emerged that innovation must address genuine service needs, rather than offering marginal gains. For IPEM members, these discussions highlighted the growing role of healthcare scientists in evaluating, implementing and governing emerging technologies. A key takeaway for members was that the success of AI is likely to depend as much on workforce capability, governance and quality assurance as on the technology itself.
Radiotherapy and imaging sessions explored ongoing technical developments. Progress in MR-only and synthetic CT pathways for prostate SABR was presented, including reported reductions in treatment volumes compared with CT-based approaches. However, practical challenges—particularly relating to anatomical variation such as bladder and rectal filling—remain key areas for optimisation. These discussions reinforced the importance of robust quality assurance and efficient workflows in translating technical advances into routine clinical practice. For members working in radiotherapy physics, the presentations provided useful insight into how emerging techniques may influence future clinical workflows and service delivery models.
Clinical trials and service development formed another important strand of the programme. The TOURIST platform trial highlighted the need to re-evaluate palliative radiotherapy in the context of modern oncology. Much of the current evidence base for palliative lung radiotherapy is derived from older studies, whereas systemic therapies and wider treatment pathways have advanced considerably. The platform approach offers a more adaptive framework for evaluating interventions, helping to ensure that palliative lung radiotherapy remains relevant and aligned with contemporary patient care.
Sessions on RTTQA and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) further emphasised the value of high-quality trial design and meaningful patient input, with examples receiving recognition from NIHR. In parallel, education and workforce discussions highlighted the ongoing need to support training, professional development and multidisciplinary collaboration as services continue to evolve.
A consistent thread throughout the programme was the optimisation of the patient pathway—from referral through to treatment and follow-up. Whether through service redesign or technological innovation, the focus remained on improving efficiency, accessibility and overall patient experience.
The day concluded with the launch of the Collaborative Ultrasound Manifesto, underscoring the importance of cross-professional working and setting out a shared vision for the future development of ultrasound services. This provided a fitting close to a day centred on collaboration, practical progress and patient-focused care.