On 24 September 2026, QoLEAD consortium members came together at JADS in ’s-Hertogenbosch for the fourth annual QoLEAD event. This year’s theme, “Ethics of AI in Dementia Care”, invited participants to explore the opportunities, challenges, and ethical questions that arise as AI becomes increasingly integrated into dementia care and daily life.
Looking back and moving forward
The day started with a welcome from Professor Wijnand IJsselsteijn, coordinator of the QoLEAD project. He looked back on the consortium’s achievements over the past year and shared updates on the progress of the different work packages and ongoing activities. His presentation highlighted how QoLEAD continues to grow and how partners across the consortium are contributing to research, innovation, and implementation.
Keynotes that sparked reflection
We were inspired by keynote presentations from Dr Lily Frank (TU/e) and Dr Alistair Niemeijer (University of Humanistic Studies). Together, they offered complementary perspectives on topics such as autonomy, dependence, dignity, privacy, and responsibility. Their talks encouraged participants to reflect on how these values can guide the development and use of technology in dementia care.
From reflection to practice
In the afternoon, the conversation moved from theory to practice during an interactive ethics workshop led by Teun Voost (QoLEAD PhD) and Rianne Tessers (QoLEAD impact manager). Working with an ethics canvas, participants explored real-world dilemmas relevant to both QoLEAD and the wider dementia care community. The discussions showed how ethics can help us ask better questions, make more thoughtful decisions, and develop technologies that truly support people living with dementia.
Key takeaways for the future
We closed the day with a shared reflection on what these insights mean for QoLEAD and for the future of research and innovation in dementia care. One message stood out clearly: when developing AI-enabled technologies, we must continue to place the values, needs, and lived experiences of people with dementia and those around them at the centre.
Thank you!
A big thank you to all speakers, participants, and organisers for making this such an inspiring and engaging day. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on the valuable insights generated during this year’s event.