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New approach to research in biomedical engineering
Author: Liesel Koch
Published: 15/03/2018

​​New approach to research in biomedical engineering to be showcased at conference

-        World experts to convene in Stellenbosch from 4-6 April

-        Focus on quality and affordable healthcare

-        World-renowned expert on intellectual property evaluation speaker at conference

-        Losing biomedical engineering students to overseas companies to be countered

The huge potential for innovation and human capacity building in the fast-growing field of biomedical engineering is to be deliberated by experts from all over the world at the South African Biomedical Engineering (SABEC2018) conference held from 4 to 6 April 2018 at the Spier Wine Estate outside Stellenbosch.

A new approach in combining theory and research with the development, industrialisation and commercialisation of biomedical innovation, will be showcased at this third biennial SABEC 2018 presented by the Stellenbosch University (SU) Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBE).

Biomedical engineering is a progressive and exciting field aimed at improving or solving health-related problems through multidisciplinary fields such as physics, mathematics, sciences and engineering at the intersections of biology, medicine and health sciences.

“This year the IBE will present a conference with a difference," says Prof Martin Nieuwoudt, IBE Director. “We are showcasing a biomedical ecosystem, developed to better address the need for quality and affordable healthcare by supporting research, development, industrialisation and commercialisation of biomedical ideas. This is not a closed ecosystem, but relies on industry and partners to make it a success."

Equally excited about the approach is Mr Dayle Wheeler, Director of innovation4life – acting as business partner to the conference. He says: “Biomedical Engineering is the answer to affordable health care solutions for Africa and the fact that we are importing expensive solutions while losing our biomedical engineering students to overseas companies highlights the need to create a Biomedical industry in South Africa to employ them."

“The conference will therefore be more than just delivering good research papers," says Prof Pieter Fourie, engineer, paediatrician, and head of the Biomedical Engineering Research Group (BERG).“ There will be a strong focus on industry participation. We will show how good ideas by masters students can be patented and commercialised with the financial support of industry partners at various levels. It can take the form of partnering, licensing, manufacturing or creating spin off companies. This integrated approach to biomedical engineering is unique and does not exist at other universities."

Themes

Themes to be covered at SABEC 2018 include: nano- or microtechnology, biomechanics, neurosciences and technology, medical devices, device regulation and commercialisation, cell tissue genetic engineering, E-health, and health systems.

Keynote speaker

A special drawing card at the conference will be keynote speaker Dr David Martin, founder and CEO of M-Cam. Martin is regarded as a world-renowned expert on intellectual property evaluation and creator of the IQ100 index that has been outperforming the NASDAQ since its inception. 

Giving rise to SABEC

SABEC draws from the SU Faculty of Engineering's well-established Biomedical Engineering Research Group – formed in 2005 by the late Prof Cornie Scheffer.

In 2014 BERG hosted its first Biomedical Engineering Conference with attendees from universities, research institutes and industries all over the world. The success of the inaugural conference served as a strong motivation to proceed with the formation of the IBE. The IBE was established in 2015 to strengthen existing and build additional research capacity across faculties in Biomedical Engineering at Stellenbosch University. The IBE integrates the efforts of researchers from all the departments in the Faculty of Engineering, with those from other departments within the SU Faculties of Science, AgriSciences and Medicine and Health Sciences, as well as other centres and institutes at Stellenbosch.

Commercialising engineering concepts 

Katleho Biomedical, a joint venture between SU's technology transfer company Innovus and innovation4life a company whose focus is making life better through innovation within the Biomedical space, was formed recently to develop and commercialise engineering concepts and technologies emanating from the Institute for Biomedical Engineering and the Biomedical Engineering Research Group. This is done by providing an incubator for meaningful innovation and commercialisation in the biotechnology sphere.

At the conference Katleho Biomedical will be showcasing its ideation engine, process and a number of Biomedical innovations in the pipeline.

More information: Prof Martin Nieuwoudt.