On the vibrant shores of Lake Victoria, Mwanza, Tanzania, hosted the 7th East African Research Conference (EARC) organised by the Association of Medical Engineers and Technicians of Tanzania (AMETT) and endorsed by the International Federation of Medical and Biological Engineering (IFMBE).

The theme of the conference, rich in relevance and ambition, provided a platform to highlight challenges and solutions within biomedical engineering as per oxygen delivery in healthcare, and healthcare technology. Representing both my institution and my project team of collaborators, I had the privilege of presenting our research paper at this esteemed gathering of scholars, researchers, and professionals across the region. Our work, titled “Understanding the failure in oxygen concentrators in low resource settings: the role of dust and humidity”, is the result of a project carried out by a collaboration between the University of Warwick (Dr Davide Piaggio, Prof Leandro Pecchia, Prof Richard Walton as main investigators), the University Campus Biomedico of Rome (Prof Leandro Pecchia, Prof Vincenzo Piemonte and Dr Leone Mazzeo as main investigators), and the Ernest Cook University through me (Mr Ernest Bwogi), thanks to EPSRC IAA funding.

Delivering the presentation in front of a diverse audience was a transformative experience. The feedback I received was not only affirming but also inspiring, fuelling my passion to contribute further to innovation in the healthcare field. Discussions following the presentation were intellectually stimulating, with insights shared that will undoubtedly shape the next steps of our project. The conference was not just an academic event but a nexus of networking and collaboration. I engaged with experts whose perspectives expanded my horizons and met peers whose dedication mirrors my own. These connections promise enduring partnerships that transcend borders.

Presenting at the 7th EARC has been a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey, and it being my very first oral presentation outside my motherland (Uganda). It underscored the importance of persistence, the power of knowledge-sharing, and the role of young professionals in shaping a better future. As I reflect on this experience, I am both humbled and motivated to turn the insights gained into tangible impact.

Heartfelt appreciation to Dr Davide Piaggio and the Society and Culture Spotlight of the University of Warwick for believing in me, allowing me to work together with them and to attend the conference, funding my travel and accommodation.

I would like to conclude with a few words for young innovators, students and researchers: believe in yourself, work hard, collaborate, and seize opportunities to showcase your work and what you are worth. Your voice, your ideas, and your commitment can drive change and inspire many.

 

Ernest Bwogi

PS: the article will soon be published in a scientific journal and we will be adding the link to the full text here.