In/visible Health 

An exploration of the unseen forces that determine the future of our health

When we hear the word “health,” we think about the usual things: eating right, exercising, attending check-ups, getting sick, and getting better. We hold onto individual behaviors and decisions as the keys to good health, but we may not have the full picture. Scientists have discovered that mindfulness can alter the neuroplasticity of our brains; that the microbiome is a direct biological reflection of our social networks and neighborhoods; that social stressors like isolation and discrimination can increase chances of disease. Our notion of health is being redefined as we discover the vast complexity of what improves or undermines it. How might we use emerging technologies like machine learning and new types of sensors to bring tangibility to the invisible forces? How might we use our knowledge of these newly visible forces to help predict and inform wholly new approaches to health and well-being?

Join the MIT Media Lab, IDEO, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for a day-long, hands-on workshop. Together, we seek to harness the potential of existing and new technologies and their ability to make health tangible and visible—and inspire ways forward in our everyday lives. We will hear from experts and people working directly with communities who will inspire us to think differently about what truly influences and informs our health. 

Schedule 

9:00-9:30am |  Registration & Breakfast 

9:30 - 9:45 | Welcome

9:45 - 11:40 | Speaking Presentations 

11:40 - 12:20 | Lunch 

12:20 - 12:30 | Introduce Team Topics / Form Teams 

12:30 - 2:30 | Team Breakout Session

2:30 - 2:45 |  break

2:45 - 3:45 | Team Share Back

3:45 - 4:15 | Wrap-up

4:15 - 6:00 | Reception  (E15)