In June 2026, the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) welcomed Prof. Dr. Jaime Garcia, Associate Professor of Games Development at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), for two weeks of collaborative activities focused on innovation in public health.

Organised by the Observatory for Research and Studies on Vaccination (OPESV), the visit brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence, serious games, and participatory design can support efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and strengthen immunization programs.

The visit included a regional workshop in São João del-Rei, an international workshop at UFMG, and participation in the III Brazilian Congress in Defense of Vaccination and the I International Congress on Immunization.

Workshop in São João del-Rei

The first activity took place in São João del-Rei, where healthcare professionals and managers met to discuss current challenges in vaccination and share strategies to improve immunization coverage.

The workshop promoted knowledge exchange and highlighted the potential of serious games and interactive technologies to support health communication and reduce vaccine hesitancy. The discussions reinforced the importance of combining scientific evidence with practical experience to develop solutions that respond to local needs.

International Workshop at UFMG

From 18 to 22 June, UFMG hosted the International Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, Serious Games, and Vaccine Hesitancy. The workshop formed part of a research project exploring the use of generative AI to support the design of a serious game for adolescents in Brazil.

Prof. Garcia worked alongside researchers from UFMG and OPESV to facilitate collaborative design sessions focused on serious games, ethical AI, and participatory approaches. Bringing together researchers, students, healthcare professionals, and educators, the workshop encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration to develop innovative and evidence-based solutions for public health.

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees particularly valuing the collaborative activities, practical discussions, and opportunities to exchange ideas across different disciplines.

Brazilian Congress on Immunization

The visit concluded with participation in the III Brazilian Congress in Defense of Vaccination and the I International Congress on Immunization.

During the congress, Prof. Garcia presented the lecture Global Innovations in Immunization: The Use of Artificial Intelligence, highlighting how AI and digital technologies can strengthen vaccination programs, improve health communication, and support evidence-based decision-making.

The congress also provided an important opportunity to connect with researchers and public health leaders from across Brazil, reinforcing the value of international collaboration in advancing research and innovation for immunization.

The visit strengthened the partnership between UFMG, OPESV, and the University of Technology Sydney, creating new opportunities for future research, collaboration, and the development of innovative approaches to improve vaccination confidence and public health outcomes.

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