Sessions and Workshops Information

The ENBENG 2025 program is divided in two days, the first day (25 September) is devoted to the scientific sessions, and the second day (26 September ) is devoted to a morning focus on scientific sessions and an afternoon focus on workshops and visits to Aveiro University Laboratories.

WORKSHOPS AND VISITS

Workshop #1: Designing for Value: Bringing Value Assessment into Early Wearable Development.

Inês Gregório | Instituto Superior Técnico

Abstract: In this workshop, we will use structured model-building techniques from Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and operational research to systematically explore how value can be defined, anticipated, operationalized, and measured in the development of wearable medical technologies. Working collaboratively with participants, we will map which value aspects (e.g., ease of use, perceived usefulness, equity, and data privacy) become critical at various stages of the innovation lifecycle. We will identify strategies to operationalize and measure these aspects across development phases. Through interactive exercises and realworld examples, participants will experience early value modelling can systematically embed value-based thinking into the innovation process, turning value assessment from a late-stage reimbursement concern into an early design catalyst. At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to systematically map, operationalize, and measure key value aspects across innovation stages, using structured model-building techniques to embed value-based thinking early in the development of wearable medical technologies.

Workshop #2: Challenges in Orthopaedic Prosthesis Integration: Advances in Passive and Bioactive Coatings for Surface Treatment.

Dr^a Sílvia Gavinho | Universidade de Aveiro

Abstract: The integration of orthopaedic prostheses with bone tissue still presents significant challenges, such as insufficient osseointegration, undesirable inflammatory responses, and the risk of infections, often leading to the loss of bone support. These complications negatively impact the longevity and clinical performance of implants. In this context, surface treatments have emerged as promising strategies to optimise the interface between the implantable material and the biological environment. This workshop will address the most recent advances in functional coatings, with an emphasis on passive coatings, aimed at corrosion protection and implant stability, and bioactive coatings, which aim to induce favourable biological responses, such as bone regeneration, cell adhesion, and modulation of the inflammatory response. The main deposition technologies used in the production of these coatings will also be discussed, as well as their implications for clinical efficacy and implant customisation. The workshop will be divided into two parts: a theoretical component, focused on conceptual presentation and critical discussion of the topics, and a practical laboratory component, in which participants will have the opportunity to apply hands-on techniques related to the development of modified surfaces.

Workshop #3: Visit to the BioMediC Creative Lab – The Biomedical Engineering Triangle: Knowledge, Creativity, and Purpose.

BioMediC Lab | Universidade de Aveiro

Abstract: Biomedical engineering grows where careful research meets creative ideas with human-centered impact. In this 90-minute session in the BioMediC Creative Lab, you’ll activate the three key drivers of innovation, Knowledge, Creativity, and Purpose, through hands-on micro-challenges inspired by real research in: Advanced Medical Imaging, Smart Biomedical Sensors and Aerospace Health Systems.
You’ll join a team of 4 participants and dive into a unique biomedical scenario. Four multidisciplinary teams will tackle distinct biomedical themes. Together, your team will: Explore the science behind the problem; Invent solutions under creative constraints—think space travel, low-cost materials, or extreme environments; Define the impact by answering: “Who will benefit from our idea, and why does it matter?“.
At the end, each team will deliver a pitch, showing how they connected a real need to a meaningful solution using the Need → Idea → Impact framework.
The goal is to demonstrate the power of Biomedical Engineers creatively transform knowledge into life-improvement solutions – even beyond Earth’s orbit. No prior Biomedical background required – just curiosity and a willingness to create.

More details about Oral and Poster sessions will be provided soon.