Health Equity Quest 2026
AI for Health Equity by Design
Workshop + Keynote | November 4, 2026
Chicago and Virtual
Loyola University Chicago’s Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, in collaboration with MATTER, invites community-based organizations, researchers, health innovators, and ecosystem leaders to join us for the 2026 Health Equity Quest, a one-day program exploring how artificial intelligence can advance health equity.
Together, participants will examine practical AI use cases, discuss barriers related to access and trust, and identify opportunities to ensure AI-driven solutions are inclusive, community-informed, and built for meaningful impact.
About the program
The program includes two connected experiences.
- AI + Health Equity Workshop for selected community-based organizations and researchers, held at MATTER's offices in Chicago. Apply now.
- Keynote and panel discussion featuring keynote speaker Tom Lawry, a leading AI transformation advisor to health and medical leaders around the world. The keynote is open to health equity, innovation, academic, community, and industry stakeholders and can be attended either at MATTER's offices in Chicago or virtually. Register now.
AI + Health Equity Workshop
November 4, 2026 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
In-Person at MATTER, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 228, Chicago
The 2026 Health Equity Quest features a hands-on workshop designed to build foundational knowledge of AI and explore how these tools can support equity-centered health innovation for select community-based organizations, researchers, and healthcare stakeholders.
This half-day workshop will feature interactive exercises, guided discussion, and practical frameworks to educate participants on how AI can be used to better understand community needs, strengthen outreach and engagement, support data-informed decision-making, and design solutions that do not leave underserved populations behind.
Organizations and researchers who are curious about AI, actively exploring AI-enabled tools, or seeking practical ways to apply emerging technologies in service of health equity are encouraged to apply. No technical background is required.
Applications will be accepted through October 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm CT.
Who should apply
- Community-based organizations serving populations affected by health disparities
- Public health, healthcare, social service, and advocacy organizations
- Researchers focused on health equity, community engagement, implementation science, public health, or related fields
- Teams exploring how AI could support outreach, access, care navigation, research, program design, or community impact
What participants will gain
Participants will:
- Build foundational knowledge of AI and its potential applications in health and public health
- Explore practical use cases for AI in community-based research settings
- Learn frameworks for evaluating AI tools through an equity, access, and trust lens
- Identify risks, limitations, and ethical considerations related to AI adoption
- Connect with peers, researchers, innovators, and health ecosystem leaders
- Develop ideas for applying AI in ways that are responsive to community needs
Application timeline
Apply now to attend the AI + Health Equity Workshop.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| August 20 | Applications open |
| October 1 | Applications close |
| Week of October 12 | Applicants notified |
| November 4 | In-person workshop at MATTER in Chicago |
Terms and conditions
See the terms and conditions governing applications to attend the AI + Health Equity Workshop during Health Equity Quest.
Keynote and Panel
Featuring Tom Lawry
November 4, 2026 | 12:30-2 p.m.
In-Person and Virtual
MATTER, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 228, Chicago
Loyola University Chicago and MATTER invite you to a keynote presentation featuring Tom Lawry, a leading AI transformation advisor to health and medical leaders around the world and the best-selling author of Hacking Healthcare: How AI and the Intelligent Health Revolution Will Reboot an Ailing System. A panel discussion will follow.
This program will bring together leaders from community-based organizations, academia, and the healthcare innovation ecosystem to examine how AI is being used today, where it may create new opportunities and what must be addressed to ensure it is being implemented responsibly and equitably. Register now to join in-person or virtual.
Agenda
Register now to attend the keynote and panel on November 4, 2026.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:30 p.m. | Welcome and opening remarks |
| 12:35 p.m. | Keynote presentation by Tom Lawry, a leading AI transformation advisor to health and medical leaders around the world |
| 1 p.m. | Panel discussion |
| 1:45 p.m. | Networking |
| 2 p.m. | Event concludes |
Key topics
Speakers will explore key topics, including:
- How can AI help improve access, engagement, and outcomes for underserved communities?
- What risks must be addressed to avoid reinforcing bias or widening disparities?
- How can community voices shape the design and deployment of AI-enabled solutions?
- What partnerships are needed to move from experimentation to equitable impact?
What participants will gain
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of AI’s opportunities and challenges in health equity, as well as practical insight into how cross-sector collaboration can help ensure emerging technologies serve the communities that need them most.
Innovation in Action
2025 Loyola Chicago Health Equity Quest
Innovators, thought leaders, and advocates in heart health explored how digital technologies might advance cardiovascular health and reduce disparities for historically underserved communities as well as young people.
2024 Loyola Chicago Health Equity Quest
In 2024, the Parkinson School partnered with MATTER to advance innovative solutions addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by early career professionals, including workplace stress and inequitable access to support.
Parkinson Impact Report
Opened in 2019—and forged during the COVID-19 global pandemic—Loyola's Parkinson School is proudly celebrating its 5-year anniversary. It is helping transform health care through education, research, and community partnerships, all in the Jesuit tradition.
Contributing partners