On 3 and 4 March 2026, the 8th Conference on the Future of Care took place at the Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg. Organised by the Care Practice Centre (PPZ) in Nuremberg, the event attracted around 250 participants from the fields of care practice, science, politics and industry. With over 90 scientific submissions and eleven exhibitors, it underlined its role as a central platform for knowledge transfer and networking.

Motto and key topics

Under the motto ‘Digital transformation – smart, secure, confident’, the two-day event focused on the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation. The agenda covered relevant topics such as knowledge transfer and implementation, technological innovations such as telecare, AI, robotics and fall prevention, skills development, financing and ethical issues. Concrete solutions and needs were identified together.

‘Our motto focuses on how technology can really improve everyday care. Smart through early dialogue between developers and users. Secure through consistent data protection and IT security. Confident when care professionals and those affected are empowered to use technologies competently and confidently,’ summarises Marlene Klemm, Head of the Nuremberg Nursing Practice Centre.

Programme and formats

A varied programme enriched with workshops, short paper sessions, a poster exhibition, an innovation competition, ‘Meet the Podcaster’ and ‘Meet the Influencer’, an organised session and a scientific networking meeting provided ample opportunity for dialogue and exchange to highlight practical change. Renowned experts provided insights into ethics in digital transformation, qualifications for future care and innovations. The exhibiting companies presented relevant products and services for practical application.

Prof. Dr. Vera Antonia Büchner, Professor of Healthcare Management at the Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg, emphasises: ‘With over 90 abstracts, the 8th “Future of Care” conference demonstrates the high scientific resonance and interdisciplinary breadth of current care research. It combines empirical studies, evaluation approaches and practical transfer in a dialogue between science and care practice – for the evidence-based further development of digital innovations in care.’

Exchange and networking

Specialists, researchers and decision-makers used the platform for cooperation, exchange of experiences and gathering new ideas. The diversity of perspectives promoted practical discussions and joint approaches to solutions.

Marina Iftner, project manager at Bayern Innovativ, is certain: ‘Innovation in care arises where technology meets practice: The 8th “Future of Care” conference connects science, practice, politics and technology development in order to further develop practical digital solutions and implement them sustainably – for future-proof care that relieves the burden on carers and serves people.’

Results and outlook

The conference made it clear that digital transformation combines technological, qualification, organisational and ethical aspects. The ideas generated will be incorporated into the “Future of Care” cluster funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and will be taken up in future transfer activities.

Conclusion and outlook

With 250 participants, over 90 contributions and eleven exhibitors, the conference sent a strong signal for the digital transformation of care. The 9th ‘Future of Care’ conference will take place on 13 and 14 April 2027 in Hanover.