Special sessions

Organizers: Marek Darowski, Krzysztof Kochanek, Ludomira Granicka, Barbara Stankiewicz, Krzysztof Jakub Pałko, Jeremi Mizerski, Halina Podbielska (Poland)

Description:

Every year the Polish Society for Biomedical Engineering organizes a competition for the best MSc theses in the field of biomedical engineering. This symposium is devoted to presentations of MSc theses awarded in 2023-2024 in Poland, which were selected by the members of the Board. Of the Polish Society for Biomedical Engineering.

Organizers: Chia Ming Yang (ROC Taiwan) and Dorota G. Pijanowska (Poland)

Description:

TBA

Organizer: Zbigniew Paszenda (Poland)

Description:

During the special session, the results of research related to the production of thin layers on the surface of implants with dedicated applications using electrochemical and vacuum technologies will be presented. In addition, issues related to the assessment of the usefulness of robots in supporting physiotherapists in rehabilitation procedures, as well as reducing the mental workload of their operators, will be discussed.

Organizer: Gerard Cybulski (Poland)

Description:

The session is devoted to the widely understood methods of automatic analysis of signals. Preferably, the signals should be acquired using non-invasive methods for short, laboratory (clinic) or long, ambulatory monitoring of cardiovascular or respiratory systems. Proposed papers should describe the methods or physiological responses to the tests which might help to bring new information of physiological or clinical meaning in understanding of the function of cardiovascular or respiratory or autonomic nervous system.

Organizers: Elżbieta Pamuła, Patrycja Domalik-Pyzik (Poland)

Description:

Biomaterials have revolutionized the field of biomedical engineering, playing an essential role in the development of innovative solutions for healthcare challenges. This 90-minute special session explores the latest advancements in this diverse group of materials and their potential applications in medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutic technologies. Attendees will hear about novel multiphase and multifunctional biomaterials, biologically active systems, and functionalization strategies. Key topics include bioactive materials for shaping biological response, smart materials for targeted drug delivery, and multifunctional scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Join us to discover how advancements in the field of biomaterials are materializing the future of medicine. New materials, novel technologies, inventive ideas are what drives this part of biomedical engineering.

Organizers: Yu Kuang (USA), Yuri Dekhtyar (Latvia)

Description:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of radiotherapy physics, enhancing precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. This special session will explore cutting-edge applications of AI in treatment planning, quality assurance, and adaptive radiotherapy. The session will also address challenges such as data privacy, regulatory hurdles, and the need for robust validation frameworks. Key focus areas will include:

1. AI-driven optimization of treatment plans for improved accuracy and reduced planning time.

2. Real-time quality assurance tools leveraging machine learning.

3. Implementation of adaptive radiotherapy using AI for dynamic treatment adjustments.

The session will feature presentations from leading experts in AI and medical physics, followed by a panel discussion to foster collaboration and debate on the ethical, technical, and clinical implications of integrating AI into radiotherapy. Attendees will gain insights into current research, clinical applications, and future directions in this transformative field.

Organizers: Anna Korzynska (Poland)

Description:

During the symposium, groundbreaking applications of artificial intelligence in medicine and biology will be presented. We will share, exchange, and engage in discussions based on original research from Poland and other European nations. This session will provide an opportunity to explore transformative insights that could reshape healthcare and biological research.

Organizers: Fabiola Martinez-Licona (Mexico)

Description:

In this special session, we will delve into the transformative potential of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical engineering, a field that plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of healthcare technologies. As AI continues to evolve, its applications in clinical engineering are becoming increasingly significant, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare technology management and patient care. The session will explore how AI can enhance clinical engineering practices, such as predictive maintenance of medical devices, real-time data analysis for decision-making, and improving the accuracy of diagnostics. By leveraging AI, clinical engineers can proactively address equipment failures, optimize device performance, and support healthcare professionals in delivering more efficient and precise care. Additionally, AI-driven insights promise to revolutionize workflows, enhance resource allocation, and enable smarter integration of technologies in clinical environments. Experts in the field will share their perspectives on AI’s current and future applications in clinical engineering, discussing cutting-edge research, case studies, and successful implementations. The session will also offer an opportunity to examine the challenges of integrating AI into healthcare settings, including ethical concerns, data privacy, regulatory compliance, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers, healthcare professionals, and AI developers. By addressing these topics, this session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and limitations of AI in clinical engineering while offering a forward-looking perspective on its potential to reshape the industry. Insights into how AI can be effectively applied to solve real-world problems and drive the future of healthcare innovation will be addressed.

Organizers: Piotr Ładyżyński (Poland), Jari Hyttinen (Finland), Martha Zequera (Colombia)

Description:

Bringing scientific discoveries in biomedical engineering from the lab to the healthcare market is a complex yet rewarding process. This special session will explore the critical steps involved in transforming groundbreaking research into innovative medical products, focusing on technology transfer, commercialization strategies, and regulatory challenges. Experts from academia, industry, and successful start-ups will share insights into intellectual property protection, funding opportunities, and industry partnerships that can accelerate the path to market. Through real-world success stories, we will highlight the key factors that enable biomedical innovations to become commercially viable, as well as the common obstacles and pitfalls encountered along the way. Topics will include securing capital, navigating regulatory landscapes, scaling production, and building strong collaborations between researchers, entrepreneurs, and healthcare providers. Whether you are a scientist, entrepreneur, investor, or policymaker, this session will provide valuable knowledge and practical strategies to help bridge the gap between scientific breakthroughs and life-saving medical technologies.

Organizers: Martha Zequera (Colombia), Piotr Ładyżyński (Poland)

Description:

Digital health technologies have significantly improved processes in healthcare, enabled personalized patient treatment and care, and also increased prevention in medicine. Extended usage of digital technologies was accelerated by the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, interest in fast and reliable engineering solutions like digital health records, telemedicine, integration of wearables, and small medical devices in the service of public health and preventing the spread of the epidemic emphasized the role of biomedical engineers in healthcare worldwide. Numerous challenges also arose in biomedical engineering education during and after the coronavirus pandemic: for a long time, students were separated from their teachers and fellow students, from medical instrumentation and laboratories, and from clinical practice. Willingly and not-willingly, distance learning methodologies were implemented in BME teaching, which resulted in an increased number of online BME courses. Another change arising recently is the extensive use of big data analytics and artificial intelligence in healthcare, not only in research but also in clinical settings.

Organizers: Martha Zequera (Colombia), Shankar Krishnan (USA), Anna Stecka (Poland)

Description:

Digital Innovation in research is no longer limited to technological advancements; it must also generate tangible social impact. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and advanced biomedical tools, are transforming the way we conduct new approach in research, opening new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world applications. However, ensuring that these innovations will have a significant impact on society, requires strategic integration of technology, ethical research practices and open dialogue with the end recipients.

This discussion panel will explore how to effectively use emerging technologies to drive socially impactful research in biomedical and other engineering fields. Panelists from various academic and professional backgrounds—including senior researchers, doctoral and master’s students—will discuss strategies for incorporating cutting-edge tools and methodologies into research while ensuring sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility.

The panel will address key questions, such as:

•    How can researchers integrate emerging technologies into their projects to maximize social impact?

•    What challenges arise in aligning technological innovation with societal needs?

•    How can early-career researchers and students leverage these technologies effectively? The presentations will be followed by a moderated discussion fostering interaction between the panelists and the audience. The aim is to give attendees practical insights and strategies for purposefully driving innovation in their respective fields.