The 1st edition of the Africa Region Biomedical Engineering and Health Technology ConferenceLink opens in a new window is being held in Nairobi, Kenya, from the 6th to 8th of September of 2023. This was organised by AMEKLink opens in a new window Kenya, supported by the IFMBELink opens in a new window Africa Biomedical Engineering working group, which also has representatives at Warwick (Dr Davide Piaggio), and by the IFMBE (Prof Leandro Pecchia is Secretary General). The event, which is being attended by delegates from all over the world, focuses on the importance of biomedical engineering and healthcare technology in addressing various healthcare and global challenges, including studies on COVID-19 aftermath, digital innovation and healthcare infrastructure. All topics at heart of the ABSPIE Lab, who, once again, is representing the School of Engineering of the University of Warwick in this international scenario.

In particular, Dr Davide Piaggio is presenting the work on COVID-19 and pandemic preparedness, part of which led to the event at the EU parliament in March 2023Link opens in a new window, co-funded by the Policy support fund. Dr Davide Piaggio and Mr Pedro Checa Rifa (Undergrad in Biomedical Systems engineering) are presenting the results of a project on the sustainability of the medical device industry, funded by Health GRP, and Mr Wanzi Su (PhD student) is reporting about his project on an eye tracking algorithm for ophthalmological and neurological research, funded by the Chinese Government. Dr Ernesto Iadanza (Chairman of IFMBE HTAD) and collaborator of the ABSPIE Lab) was also present and opened the event by presenting the IFMBE and its global perspective.

The team would like to thank the support of Dr Georgia Kremmyda, who kindly agreed to co-sponsor the participation of Pedro to the conference. Pedro’s abstract was accepted for oral presentation at this international event. This is a great achievement for a second-year student and proves the quality of teaching of our School and the extensive support we give to our students.

"I am extremely grateful for this opportunity granted by Dr Davide Piaggio and the School, as it is a wonderful experience to learn and get to know professionals from diverse backgrounds. This experience has given me an insight on the current advancements in biomedical engineering, as well as a boost in my ambition to contribute to the development of this industry" - Pedro Checa Rifa