Is AI the future of health and social science? A debate

AI has advanced at extraordinary speed, raising expectations that it could accelerate — or even automate — aspects of quantitative health and social science . Yet alongside the excitement comes hype, uncertainty, and questions about what may be lost in the process.

In this debate, David Bann (UCL) will argue for the motion, highlighting the potential benefits if AI is managed well. Peter Tennant (University of Leeds) will argue against, emphasising the risks, pitfalls, and limits of current technology.

The audience will vote before and after the debate — will the arguments change their mind?

Note: This debate will focus on AI defined as computational systems that can perform cognitive tasks relevant to quantitative research (e.g., large language models, agentic systems).

The event is sponsored by the National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM).

Programme

• Welcome & opening vote (5 mins). 
• Case for the motion: David Bann (UCL), 25 mins
• Case against the motion: Peter Tennant (Leeds), 25 mins
• Rebuttals (5mins x 2)
• Audience Q&A (20 mins)
• Closing remarks & final vote (5 mins)
• Drinks reception (19:00–20:00)