UEF to co-host the VR-Haptic Thinkers’ 3rd annual conference in London

The University of Eastern Finland will be co-hosting the VR-Haptic Thinkers’ transformative one-day conference, titled Shaping the Surgeons of Tomorrow: Innovations in Simulation Education and Haptic VR for Skill Mastery, in London on 6 June 2025.

The conference, organised by the VR-Haptic Thinkers consortium – founded by UEF researchers – and co-hosted by the Royal Society of Medicine Odontology Section, will explore cutting-edge technological advancements in health professions education. Recent breakthroughs in 3D imaging, haptically enabled virtual reality simulation and artificial intelligence are revolutionising healthcare professional training. This conference aims to address the challenges and opportunities presented by these innovations. 

Key topics for discussion include:

1. Designing VR, haptics and AI solutions to enhance learning experiences
2. Establishing educator competencies for VR and haptics-rich training environments
3. Improving assessment methods in simulation-based health education
4. Integrating generative AI into curriculum design
5. Exploring future applications of VR and haptics in health training
6. Developing protocols for AR and VR integration in preclinical and clinical education

Professor Barry Quinn, President of the VR-Haptic Thinkers consortium at the University of Liverpool, emphasises the significance of the upcoming event, which highlights the unwavering commitment of educators focused on digital, VR, and haptic technologies to revolutionize healthcare education. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to absorb insights and practical tips from distinguished speakers hailing from across the globe. 

“This conference represents a crucial advancement in redefining healthcare education and the gathering in London not only showcases innovative educational methods but also reinforces the Institute of Dentistry and UEF's status as a leader in this transformative field,” says Szabolcs Felszeghy, Founder President and Secretary General of the VR-Haptic Thinkers consortium. 

“This 3^rd annual conference is not just an event; it is a pivotal moment in shaping the future landscape of dental education and enhancing the quality of care provided to patients,” Felszeghy continues.