Professor Miguel Cruz Presents at BioHabana 2024

Professor Miguel Cruz was recently invited to present at BioHabana 2024, an international conference in Cuba from April 1-5, 2024, themed "Science for a Healthy Life." His presentation, titled "Validating and Implementing Digital Technologies for Healthy Aging," highlighted the potential of various digital technologies in promoting health wellness among aging populations. From Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to Zero-Effort Technologies (ZETs), and from Robots to Artificial Intelligence (AI), a broad spectrum of technologies holds promise in this domain. Nevertheless, Professor Cruz highlighted a critical barrier to their widespread adoption: the lack of robust evidence-based validation. He emphasized the necessity for digital solutions to progress through stages of technology readiness, clinical validation, and eventual commercialization. Recognizing the challenges in this trajectory, he proposed a novel framework to streamline implementation and adoption research. By aligning research with the needs and preferences of diverse user populations, including older adults, his insights offer valuable guidance to stakeholders seeking to leverage digital technologies for the betterment of aged health.

SARSCENE 2023: Addressing Dementia and SAR Challenges

In the heart of St. John's, NL, SARSCENE 2023, the national search and rescue (SAR) conference, convened from September 14-17, 2023. Among the myriad of presentations, Professor Miguel Cruz's co-presentation on "Managing risks of going missing among persons living with dementia by building capacities of SAR Personnel, First Responders, and Communities"* stood out. Addressing a growing concern within the SAR domain, Dr. Miguel Cruz emphasized the unique challenges posed by dementia patients and the need for specialized training and collaborative efforts.

SARSCENE serves as an influential hub, attracting SAR experts from around the world. These gatherings spotlight the latest technologies and facilitate pivotal discussions on evolving challenges in the field. Dr. Miguel Cruz's session underscores the conference's commitment to knowledge exchange, ensuring that SAR professionals are equipped to respond effectively to diverse emergencies.

*Funding: Government of Canada: Ministry of Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness. Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund Program (SAR NIF) 2021-2024. Amount: $2,147,740.00 CAD

Fostering Biomedical Technology Research & Innovation in Latin America

From August 17th to 18th, as part of the Engineering Week celebrating the 50th anniversary of Universidad Autónoma de Occidente (UAO) from August 14th to 18th, 2023, Professor Dr. Miguel Cruz presented at the School of Engineering with two insightful keynote lectures.

The first lecture (top right picture) was part of the Colloquium on Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering. During this presentation, Dr. Miguel Cruz introduced a novel framework aimed at streamlining the research implementation and adoption processes. This proposed method elucidates how studies on digital technologies can be prioritized, with the objective of reducing implementation times. Additionally, it emphasizes enhancing the acceptability of such technologies among diverse demographic groups, notably older adults.

In his second lecture (shown in the middle photo), Dr. Miguel Cruz addressed both students and faculty of the Mutis Network Doctorate in Engineering and the Doctorate in Bioengineering. Titled "High-Level Scientific Research for Colombia’s Technological Progress", this presentation delved into strategies for conducting academically impactful research.

Furthermore, at the Colloquium on Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering on August 17th, Dr. Miguel Cruz exchanged thoughts with a panel of Colombian experts. They collaboratively discussed the digital transformation in healthcare and the pivotal role of biomedical engineers in this transformation journey.

 Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow Receives Dual Grants for Global Research Innovation and Collaboration

Dr. Mathieu Figeys, a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, has recently secured two grants aimed at fostering international research innovation and collaboration.

The first grant, bestowed by AGE-WELL, aims to enhance research innovation and knowledge exchange between the University of Alberta, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, and Sapporo Medical University in Japan. This initiative is made possible by Dr. Toshio Ohyanagi, an esteemed affiliate of the PEAR Lab, with plans to initiate the exchange in October to November, 2023.

Further amplifying Dr. Figeys's achievements in clinical innovation is a second grant from the Technical University of Munich (TUM). This grant presents an opportunity to forge new academic alliances and foster innovation exchanges. It will allow Dr. Figeys and the PEAR lab to explore research and collaborations with distinguished professors, laboratories, and leading research institutes affiliated with TUM.

Diving Deep into AgeTech: Postdoctoral Fellow at AGE-WELL Summer Institute

This summer, Mathieu Figeys, a Postdoctoral Fellow from the PEAR lab, received an AGE-WELL Grant to enrich his knowledge and network at the 6th annual AGE-WELL Summer Institute in Toronto, Canada. The event, funded by AGE-WELL, offers seminars, hands-on training, and the unique opportunity for attendees to co-create with older adults. Mathieu not only absorbed insights from experts across Canada but also pitched a preliminary idea to industry partners (picture on the top right), highlighting the real-world applicability of the event's sessions.

Central to the Institute's discussions was the philosophy of 'aging in place.' This approach champions the desire of the elderly to live independently in their homes and communities by integrating tailored services, innovative physical space designs, and technology.

Mathieu's involvement at the Institute not only amplifies his individual expertise but also brings back invaluable perspectives to the PEAR lab. As the global population ages, the insights from such events are critical in ensuring a dignified, comfortable, and tech-supported aging process.