Invited Talk by Dr. Fernando Loizides

An insightful invited talk organized by the Alumni Network Team of SDMIMD - ANTS (PRERANA) in association with the Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science (SRELS).

Dr. Fernando Loizides, Associate Professor in Computer Science and Informatics at Cardiff University and Director of the Data Science Academy, delivered a compelling session on "Access for All: Data Science, Accessibility, and the Future of Emerging Technologies."

The talk highlighted how data science and emerging technologies - such as predictive models, conversational AI, robotics, AR/VR, and adaptive intelligent systems - are reshaping accessibility across digital and physical environments. A key takeaway was that accessibility should not be viewed as an optional feature but as a fundamental principle of responsible and inclusive solutions to improve access for specially abled individuals in society.

A truly thought-provoking session that reinforced the importance of designing technologies that empower everyone.