An RSC Café Chimique on Artificial Intelligence (AI) took place on Tuesday 13 May 2025 in the Social Area above the Brel Theatre at the British School of Brussels. Our two speakers were pioneering entrepreneurs of the use of AI in healthcare: Dr Dani Manjah from Professor Benoit Macq's research group at the Ecole Polytechnique de Louvain, and Thibaut Helleputte, founder and CEO of DNAlytics, a start-up specialising in data sciences applied to healthcare located in Louvain-la-Neuve.
The debate was chaired by Professor Bob Crichton, our recent past Chair of the section and the discussion was kicked off, as usual for our Cafe Chimique events, by short presentations from the two speakers.
Our first presentation was from Dani who gave a quick overview of what AI was - and was not - and then described some applications in healthcare. Dani's presentation is embedded below.
Thibaut then gave some further insights to his work on AI and healthcare. His presentation is embedded below as a pdf.
Following the two presentations an extensive and wide-ranging discussion was initiated led by questions from the audience. Issues covered included societal and socio-economic issues as well as sector-specific concepts.
As with our previous debates the audience was seated in a café-style format and gratis drinks and light refreshments were available before and during the event.
In an entertaining and informative talk Richard (pictured below), who is
currently Head of Digital Architecture at LNER and consulting at GBRTT, outlined his vision and experience of AI and how it will, and already is, affecting our daily lives. He has a positive, optimistic view on AI and the benefits it can bring to society.
Richard has worked
at the intersection of emerging technologies and creativity for over 30 years
both in small and large enterprise scales. He has made interactive TV, games,
interactive marketing, designed tiny and extremely large complex systems,
games, entertainment and more. These days he can be found in the realm of
Architecture where he makes sure systems work and are designed for future and
emerging business needs, handling systems and complexity, fully exploiting
Machine Learning and AI to solve business problems. He also is exploring the
use of AI in his art works.
Some of the companies has worked at include Microsoft
Studios, the RSC (the other one), BSkyB, BBC, Proximus, LNER, GBRTT, and more. He also co-founded a business and as a bonus has also worked in education
as teacher, lecturer, Principal and has held Visiting Professor and Fellowship
roles. He was Chair of Professors Without Borders for four years and remains a trustee.
Not surprisingly he is an in-demand speaker, keynote and
chair as well as a published author and an FRSA, BAFTA and Society of Authors
member. His educational background encompasses both Art and Computer Science,
at Masters level and above.
Richard's talk was well attended and sparked a lively question and answer session with conversations continuing into the networking reception after the talk.
YouTube Video
Richard's talk and the subsequent discussion was recorded and can be found on our dedicated Youtube channel or as an embedded video below. Enjoy!
The Belgium section of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) was established in 1989. It has around 120 professional members in Belgium and an extensive list of 'Friends of RSC Belgium'. The section organises lectures, visits and social events with a principal objective of promoting the chemical sciences to the public.
