The JAIN Foundation is excited to host two pivotal workshops at the Dutch National Dementia Congress (NDC 2025), titled “Technology with a human heart.” These sessions, specifically designed for the QoLEAD program, will explore how AI-driven technology can genuinely support people with dementia, their loved ones, and care professionals.
Why these workshops matter for QoLEAD work package leaders and PhD candidates
The JAIN Foundation’s workshops are crucial for QoLEAD Work Package Leaders and their PhD candidates because they offer direct, practical insights into applying technology in dementia care. These sessions align perfectly with QoLEAD ’s mission to foster and implement innovation in healthcare.
The JAIN Foundation’s workshops are crucial for QoLEAD work package leaders and their PhD candidates because they offer direct, practical insights into applying technology in dementia care. These sessions align perfectly with QoLEAD’s mission to foster and implement innovation in healthcare.
For work package leaders
- Practical applications: Work package leaders will gain concrete examples and insights into how AI technology can improve daily care practices, both at home and in professional settings. This will help identify opportunities for new projects and implementation strategies within their work packages.
- Policy input: The output from the workshops, comprising visions, quotes, and examples, will serve as direct input for further research and policy development. Work package leaders can leverage this information to guide and substantiate their own research and projects, and to influence future policy.
- Networking opportunities: The presence of experts from science, practice, and lived experience offers unique networking opportunities. This can lead to valuable collaborations and partnerships for QoLEAD projects.
For PhD candidates
- Research inspiration: PhD candidates will have the chance to directly engage with the challenges and possibilities of AI in dementia care. Discussions on ethics, trust, autonomy, and user impact can generate new research questions and hypotheses for their dissertations.
- Practice-oriented insights: The workshops provide a valuable bridge between theory and practice. By participating in interactive sessions and listening to experiential experts, PhD candidates can develop a deeper understanding of real-world needs and bottlenecks in care, making their research more relevant and impactful.
- Multidisciplinary approach: The diverse composition of experts, ranging from technical scientists to psychologists and care professionals, underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. This aligns with the nature of many QoLEAD doctoral research projects and encourages PhD candidates to look beyond their own fields.
Workshop details
The JAIN Foundation, known for its focus on technology that enhances the quality of life for people with dementia, will facilitate two interactive sessions:
- Workshop 1: Support in daily life (home phase) (14:15 – 15:00): This workshop focuses on the use of AI in the home environment, with questions about humanity, trust, and self-direction at its core. Gerda van Tongerloo, an expert by experience with vascular dementia, will share her perspective on how technology enriches her life. Experts like Rudolf Wolterbeek (AI in residential care systems), prof. dr. Catholijn Jonker (human-friendly, explainable AI), and dr. Thomas Engelsma (user-centric designs) will lead the discussion.
- Workshop 2: Support for informal caregivers and professionals (15:30 – 16:15): This session explores how technology can relieve professionals and informal caregivers without infringing on their sense of autonomy and proximity. Dr. Franka Meiland (Amsterdam UMC) will open the workshop, highlighting the changing role of the case manager. Dr. Linda Peute (help or interference?) and Dr. Rik Wesselink (technology for self-direction and dignity) will contribute to the conversation.
These workshops aren’t abstract discussions; they’re focused on concrete action and gathering insights that directly contribute to research, policy development, and the practical application of technology in care. The outcomes will be a valuable resource for the QoLEAD community.
Practical information
Location: Congrescentrum Nieuwegein
Date: October 27, 2025
Program overview:
- 12:00 – 13:00: Welcome with lunch
- 13:00 – 14:00: Plenary session I (chair: Suzanne Spliethoff)
- 14:15 – 15:00: Breakout sessions round I (including workshop 1 JAIN)
- 15:00 – 15:30: Break
- 15:30 – 16:15: Breakout sessions round II (including workshop 2 JAIN)
- 16:30 – 17:00: Plenary session II
- 17:00 – 18:00: Drinks & networking
So are you a WP-leader or PhD candidate within QoLEAD and wish to contribute to the future of dementia care with technology?
You are most welcome to participate and co-develop!