18.05.2026
SAINTS at the York Festival of Ideas 2026
Established in June 2011, the York Festival of 
Ideas is a collaborative initiative between the University of York, York Theatre Royal, York Museums Trust, the National Centre for Early Music, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The Festival’s ongoing objective is to support York’s reputation as a center for innovation by providing a program of high-caliber public events for local and visiting audiences.
Growing year on year, the Festival now attracts an audience of more than 50,000 and works in partnership with more than 100 local and national organisations. The York Festival of Ideas returns this year to explore the theme of Place and Space, bringing together a diverse array of topics that challenge our perspective on the world.
As part of this year’s programme, SAINTS is proud to host two in-person events addressing the ethics, risks, and human impact of artificial intelligence. The two events, both to be held on campus, are as follows:
Event 1: AI, Care, and Psychological Safety for Older Adults
Date: June 7, 2026
How do we ensure that the digital revolution doesn’t leave the most vulnerable behind? Join SAINTS PhD researcher Prenika Anand and an expert panel for a vital discussion on the intersection of technology and aging.
This session will examine:
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The specific psychological risks faced by older adults in an AI-driven world.
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How to implement “safety by design” in care technologies.
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Strategies for prioritizing dignity and long-term wellbeing in our aging society.
Event 2: Beyond the Matrix: The Reality of AI Risk
Date: June 8, 2026
As chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini become part of our daily lives, the debate over AI control has shifted from the realm of science fiction into serious policy discussion. How has the landscape changed over the last five years?
Shaun Feakins, SAINTS PhD researcher, hosts a panel of experts from SAINTS for a candid exploration of:
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The evolution of general-purpose AI systems.
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Whether AI safety should be a top research priority.
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The reality of managing advanced AI risks in a rapidly changing world.