Dr Wolfram Bosbach (alumnus 2009, pictured right) specialises in trauma surgery at the University of Giessen and is a resident experimental trauma surgeon at the University Hospital. Dr Christopher Wilkinson (alumnus 2008, left) is a health research consultant and project manager specialising in usability, user experience and inclusive design who provides services to the European Commission, the Open University and the University of Cambridge.
The first Trans-European Trauma Rehabilitation Expert Symposium will bring together experts in the field to explore trauma rehabilitation concepts and their development based on the state of the art in patient-centred technology design.
The overarching goal is to improve patient outcomes through the design of assistive technology that assists both patients and surgeons. An emerging field is that of regenerative re(Image removed)habilitation where trauma patients are treated by methods of regenerative medicine. In spite of the potential in this area, clinical success has not yet been realised; rehabilitative and assistive technologies are all too often rejected by patients because of the social stigma associated with temporary or permanent injury, illness or impairment. The symposium has been specifically organised to address these issues.
The duo will be joined by fellow Department of Engineering alumni Dr Anna Mieczakowski (alumnus 2007) who will be leading the interactive session on day two of the symposium. Anna and Christopher were both based in the Department’s Engineering Design Centre where they focused on the field of Inclusive Design, whilst Wolfram pursued research in the field of Biomechanics.
Following a successful co-application, Wolfram and Christopher enlisted Anna to help oversee the bringing together of thought leaders in the field. The inaugural symposium will draw insight from patients, surgeons, biomechanic experts, visual, product and interaction designers, and health care professionals. There will be a distinct focus upon the importance of involving patients and users throughout the design process; aspects at the core of the user centred and inclusive design process.
Links:
Dr Christopher Wilkinson
Dr Anna Mieczakowski
Dr Wolfram Bosbach
For those interested in pursuing a postdoctoral opportunity closely aligned to this project, please contact Dr Bosbach in the first instance.