Big data in brain imaging: The case of UK Biobank

— Fidel Alfaro-Almagro, PhD Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Abstract
UK Biobank has become a powerful resource for the research community, driving transformative advances in many fields, such as brain imaging. In this talk, we will have a glimpse at the neuroimaging part of the project and get an overview of the latest updates in the data processing, like surface modelling. ... By leveraging this vast and diverse dataset, our research has helped unravelling how the complexities of brain dynamics may be obscured by unknown confounding factor. Furthermore, our work underscores the significance UK Biobank has had in addressing urgent real-world challenges, such as understanding the neurological impacts of COVID-19. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, this work exemplifies how UK Biobank catalyzes breakthrough discoveries, enabling tailored interventions for improved public health outcomes. Read more

Biography
Fidel Alfaro-Almagro studied Computer Sciences at Universidad de Granada (Spain) in 2006, obtained a Masters Degree in Artificial Intelligence from UNED (Spain) in 2011, and completed his DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford in 2020. ... Between those degrees, he worked as a Software Engineer in Spanish private consultancy companies and spent a year at CERN (Switzerland) with a fellowship from the Spanish Government. He has worked in brain imaging analysis in Madrid (2011 to 2013) and Oxford (2013 to present day). His research focuses on developing fully automated analysis tools for the UK Biobank Project, the largest brain imaging study to date, with 6 different brain imaging modalities acquired from 100,000 subjects. In this project, his aim is to develop new methods for multimodal-imaging population modelling using supervised machine learning methods, with the ultimate goal being to find early biomarkers of brain diseases. Read more

Rigs to Reefs: Transforming Our Energy Past into an Eco-Friendly Future

— Amber Sparks Co-Founder of Blue Latitudes LLC, USA

Abstract
Offshore energy development has led to the installation of over 12,000 oil and gas structures in oceans worldwide, many of which are nearing decommissioning. Traditional decommissioning methods involving removal and on-shore disposal are environmentally harmful and excessively costly, ... especially considering that these platforms support highly productive ecosystems. Embracing a Rigs to Reefs (RtR) program presents a replicable and scalable solution to this challenge. With over 600 structures repurposed as reefs over the past three decades, RtR demonstrates a proven circular economy approach, preserving ecosystem services value and fostering new industries like offshore wind, marine aquaculture, and ecotourism. This keynote will overview global case studies of successful RtR conversions, examine both the opportunities and challenges associated with this alternative decommissioning approach, and discuss implications for future decommissioning initiatives in the Adriatic Sea. Read more

Biography
Amber Sparks is the co-founder and managing partner at Blue Latitudes LLC, a women-owned marine environmental consulting firm specializing in sustainable solutions for offshore energy environmental issues. With over a decade of experience as a marine scientist and offshore oil and gas consultant, she has led ... projects ranging from ecological research to hosting panels at global decommissioning conferences. Amber is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding at the nexus of energy and the environment. She holds a bachelor's degree in Marine Science from UC Berkeley and a master's degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Additionally, Amber is the Co-President of Blue Latitudes Foundation, where she works to educate stakeholders and promote ocean conservation through collaboration and award-winning documentary films. Amber's leadership has been recognized through awards such as Forbes 30 Under 30 and Entrepreneur Magazine's business leader accolades. Through her work, she has helped conserve over 100 acres of reef habitat by repurposing offshore oil rigs into artificial reefs globally. Read more