Annual Conference for Biomedical Engineering in Stuttgart

“Linking biosciences and engineering is the key to radically improving not only biomedical research but also the technologies available in the healthcare sector,” says Prof. Peter P. Pott, Director of the Institute of Medical Device Technology (IMT) at the University of Stuttgart and Chairman of the BMT 2024 annual conference of the German Society for Biomedical Engineering within the VDE (VDE DGBMT).

New biomaterials that can be used for new surfaces or as tissue replacements, for example, customized implants from 3D printers, AI-based biomedical systems for detecting heart attack risks, new imaging techniques for more precise diagnostics, intelligent robots that assist during operations or in care: Biomedical technology offers great potential for healthcare. At BMT 2024, around 400 scientists, young researchers, doctors, engineers and young professionals exchanged views on new findings and trends in this field. This year's agenda also included patient-centered medicine, regulatory issues, sustainability in the healthcare sector and the digital transformation.

One of the highlights of the congress was a lecture by Dr. Rory A. Cooper.  The American scientist, engineer, and founder of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) shared insights on participatory future design that actively includes people with disabilities. In his keynote speech, Prof. Bernhard Hirt, Director of the Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis and Dean of Preclinical Studies at the University of Tübingen, explained how research and development can be ethically combined on a surgical training platform. Prof. Katja Schenke-Layland, Professor of Medical Technology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Tübingen, spoke about biomaterials in regenerative medicine that are inspired by developmental biology. Other keynote speakers were Prof. Rebecca Fahrig, innovation expert at Siemens Healthineers GmbH, Erlangen, and Marcus C. Felstead, Chief Commercial Officer of Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH, Tübingen.

The “Biomedical Systems and Robotics for Health” research profile at the University of Stuttgart presented innovations from the fields of medical device technology, biomedical technology and biomechanics as well as textile technologies, biomaterials and optics at the conference. Young scientists from the University of Stuttgart contributed groundbreaking developments and research findings to the conference sessions, covering topics such as intraoperative monitoring systems, electronic patient records, gaming tools for rehabilitation, and flexible endoscopy robots. Students and young professionals also had the opportunity to network on the evening before the event at the “Young Forum BMT.”

About the German Society for Biomedical Engineering within the VDE (VDE DGBMT)
German Society for Biomedical Engineering within the VDE (VDE DGBMT) is the scientific and technical society for medical technology in Germany. The DGBMT in the VDE brings together experts from all areas of technology applications in medicine and works on the entire spectrum of biomedical technology topics. Among other things, it is the sponsor of the international scientific journals Biomedical Engineering and Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering. The DGBMT awards prizes to young scientists, for scientific excellence and innovation and for patient safety in biomedical technology and represents German biomedical technology on international committees. www.vde.com/dgbmt  

About the VDE
The Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V.(VDE) is one of the largest technology organizations in Europe and has stood for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. The VDE is the only organization in the world to combine science, standardization, testing, certification and application consulting under one roof. The VDE symbol has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years. With over 2,000 employees across 60+ locations worldwide, the VDE network brings together more than 100,000 volunteer experts and around 1,500 companies, all working together to shape a sustainable and livable future. https://www.vde.com/en

Expert contact:
Prof. Peter P. Pott, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Medical Device Technology (IMT), tel.: +49 711 685-68390, email