On Monday 11th December, Trinity College Dublin’s School of Engineering hosted the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering (TCBE) Research Day, a dynamic and enlightening event that brought together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts in the field of biomedical engineering.
The day commenced with a warm welcome and an insightful overview of the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering (TCBE) by Professor Tríona Lally, the TCBE Director. Her opening set the stage for a day of exploration and discovery.
Neural Symposium Session
Chaired by Professor Richard Reilly of Trinity College Dublin, the Neural Symposium Session delved into the intricate world of neuroengineering.
Dr. Helena Dolphin, Tallaght University Hospital
Keynote by Dr. Helena Dolphin, Tallaght University Hospital:
Dr. Dolphin’s keynote on “VINCI-AD” addressed the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in mild cognitive impairment - a topic of significant relevance in advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative conditions.
Assistant Professor Róisín McMackin, Trinity College Dublin
Beyond Motor Neurone Disease:
Assistant Professor Róisín McMackin, Trinity College Dublin, provided valuable insights into the network pathophysiology of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using EEG, extending the discussion beyond the conventional boundaries of motor neurone diseases.
Assistant Professor Lara McManus, Trinity College Dublin
Applications of High-Density Surface EMG:
Assistant Professor Lara McManus (Trinity College Dublin), explored the applications of high-density surface EMG for interrogating motor units, showcasing the potential for advancements in diagnostics and treatment.
Medical Device Design Symposium Session
Chaired by Dr. Eoin O’ Cearbhaill (UCD) and Dr. Bruce Murphy (Trinity College Dublin), the Medical Device Design Symposium highlighted innovations in designing medical devices.
Dr. Alice Moynihan, UCD
Validating AI in Real-Time Surgery:
Dr. Alice Moynihan’s (UCD) keynote on “CLASSICA” addressed the validation of artificial intelligence in classifying cancer during real-time surgery, underscoring the transformative impact of technology in healthcare.
Dylan Armfield, UCD
Innovative FSI Modeling Framework:
Dylan Armfield’s (UCD) presentation on developing an FSI modelling framework using the Immersed Boundary Method for evaluating TAVR devices in vitro, showcased the intersection of computational modelling and medical device development.
Gareth Gallagher, PLIO Surgical
PLIO Joining the GI Tract:
Gareth Gallagher of PLIO Surgical tackled the technical, clinical, and commercial challenges of integrating PLIO with the gastrointestinal tract, offering a glimpse into the future of medical interventions.
Orthopaedics Symposium Session
The Orthopaedics Symposium, chaired by Professors Danny Kelly (Trinity College Dublin), David Hoey (Trinity College Dublin), and Conor Buckley (Trinity College Dublin), addressed the evolving landscape of spine surgery and regenerative stenting.
Stacey Darwish, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Changing Demographics in Spine Surgery:
Ms. Stacey Darwish’s (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital) keynote highlighted the changing demographics in spine surgery and their implications for clinical research, providing crucial insights into the evolving field.
Ciara Murphy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Regenerative Stenting for Vertebral Fracture Repair:
Dr. Ciara Murphy (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) presented her European Research Council project on regenerative stenting for osteoporotic vertebral fracture repair, contributing to the advancement of regenerative medicine.
Tara Ní Néill, Trinity College Dublin
Micro RNA Delivery for Disc Regeneration:
PhD student Tara Ní Néill (Trinity College Dublin) explored the potential of microRNA delivery for regenerating the intervertebral disc, offering promising avenues for spinal health.
Immunology and Cancer Symposium Session
Chaired by Dr. Fiona Freeman (UCD) and Dr. Caroline Curtin (RCSI), this session delved into the intersection of biomedical engineering, immunology, and cancer research.
Professor Jonathan Bond, UCD
Using Systems Biology to Improve Childhood Blood Cancer Treatment:
Professor Jonathan Bond’s (UCD) talk focused on childhood cancers and how treatments have advanced to improve outcomes but that much can be done to reduce long-term side effects of treatments.
Ellen King, RCSI
Unleashing the Power of mRNA Cancer Vaccines:
Ellen King’s (RCSI) talk, titled “NeuVac: A Novel Therapeutic mRNA Cancer Vaccine Stimulates a Robust Immune Response”, highlighted an innovative approach to cancer immunotherapy.
Dr. Sinéad O’Rourke, Trinity College Dublin
Electrical Stimulation in Cardiac Tissue Engineering:
Dr. Sinéad O’Rourke (Trinity College Dublin) explored the applications of electrical stimulation as an immunomodulatory and regenerative strategy in cardiac tissue engineering and beyond, offering new perspectives in the field.
Leah Fallon, UCD
Unravelling the Role of Syndecan-4:
Leah Fallon, from the Thorpe Lab at University College Dublin (UCD), delivered an intriguing talk, titled “Syndecan-4 Enhances Contractility of Pancreatic Tumour and Stromal Cells”, which shed light on a critical aspect of pancreatic cancer research.
Elizabeth Sainsbury, RCSI
Innovations in Breast Cancer Research:
Elizabeth Sainsbury’s (RCSI) talk, titled “3D Collagen-Based Scaffolds for the Investigation of the Effect of Extracellular Matrix Changes, Drug Testing, and Gene Therapy for Breast Cancer”, addressed critical aspects of cancer research and potential therapeutic strategies.
Soft Tissue & Wound Healing Symposium Session
Chaired by Professor Mark Ahearne (Trinity College Dublin), the Soft Tissue & Wound Healing Symposium provided insights into tissue stiffness, mechanotransduction, and advancements in wound healing.
Professor Colm O’Brien, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Tissue Stiffness in Glaucoma:
Professor Colm O’Brien’s (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital) keynote addressed tissue stiffness and mechanotransduction in glaucoma, offering critical perspectives in the study of ocular health.
Tehseen Riaz, DCU
Tehseen Riaz (DCU), presented on developing genetically engineered load-bearing soft tissue inspired by embryonic tendon development.
Rachel Goodband, Trinity College Dublin
Electrospinning Gelatin for Mimicking Trabecular Meshwork:
Rachel Goodband’s (Trinity College Dublin) talk, titled “Electrospinning Gelatin to Create a Trabecular Meshwork Mimic Model Perfusion”, delved into innovative approaches to mimic biological structures and enhance our understanding of physiological processes.
Marcello Trucas, RCSI
Evaluating the Impact of Embalming on Tissue:
Marcello Trucas’s (RCSI) presentation, “Is Tissue from Embalmed Cadaveric Donors Suitable for Histological Studies?”, addressed a critical question in the field of histology and biomedical research. The talk explored the suitability of tissue obtained from embalmed cadaveric donors for histological analysis—a topic with significant implications for medical education, research, and clinical practice.
Shirsha Bose (L) and Majid Akbarzadeh Khorshidi (R), Trinity College Dublin
Inverse Finite Element (FE) Approach:
The joint presentation by Shirsha Bose and Majid Akbarzadeh Khorshidi (Trinity College Dublin), titled “Inverse FE Approach to Estimate Tissue Properties to Inform Benchtop Models”, delved into a sophisticated methodology with potential implications for understanding tissue properties and advancing benchtop modelling in the field.
The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, further research poster viewing, and a delightful wine and cheese reception. The recognition of the Best Posters and Best Presentations added a competitive and celebratory touch to the day.
Congratulations
Winners of the Best Posters:
1st Prize: Aliaa Karam (R) being presented the award by Professor Tríona Lally (R)
Joint 2nd Prize: Francesca Diletta Spagnuolo (L) & Francesco Digeronimo (R) being presented the award by Professor Tríona Lally (Centre)
3rd Prize: Rosario Milazzo (L) being presented the award by Professor Tríona Lally (R)
Winners of the Best Presentations:
First Prize went to Ellen King.
2nd Prize: Gareth Gallagher, PLIO Surgical (R) being presented the award by Professor Tríona Lally (L)
A heartfelt thank you was extended to all the speakers, guests, and participants for their valuable contributions to making the TCBE Research Day a resounding success. The event underscored Trinity College Dublin's commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the field of biomedical engineering.