Together with Reidar K盲llstr枚m, Head of information-driven development at Region 脰sterg枚tland, he was one of many engaging speakers at this year鈥檚 BME@LiU day.
Collaboration was the central theme when the Department of Biomedical Engineering (IMT) at Link枚ping University hosted the seventh major conference in biomedical engineering. BME@LiU was organised in coordination with several other departments and centres, spanning from basic research to healthcare practice.
Around 250 participants, nearly 30 exhibitors and a large poster exhibition filled the Research & Innovation Arena in Ljusg氓rden at Link枚ping University Hospital. Researchers, students, healthcare professionals and representatives from companies gathered to exchange ideas and make new contacts.
鈥淭here are a lot more clinical people here this year and that connection is important,鈥� said a pleased Rolf Saager, a co-chair of the BME@LiU 2026 organising committee.
Nearly 30 presentations
The conference showcased several ongoing collaborative projects and, as always, created opportunities for new ones. Parallel sessions were held throughout the day, offering nearly 30 presentations in total.
This year鈥檚 topics were:
- Novel Instrumentation, Biosensors and Biomaterials
- Data Analysis, Modelling and AI
- eHealth and Clinical Implementation
- Health Informatics and Data Flows
- From Cells to Patients and End-Usage
Several presentations were delivered jointly by two speakers to highlight collaboration. One example was the morning keynote presentation by Matts Karlsson and Reidar K盲llstr枚m, who discussed the opportunities for Link枚ping University and Region 脰sterg枚tland.
鈥淣one of us can solve these problems alone. We can only do it together. That is why we have created two parallel initiatives: CIP (Centre for information-driven precision health) and the Innovation Arena,鈥� says Matts Karlsson.
The goal is to create a joint life science hub where healthcare, research and industry form a cohesive ecosystem.
鈥淚f we succeed, we will be unique, both in Sweden and internationally,鈥� says Reidar K盲llstr枚m.
Synergy with M4-HEALTH
Another collaborative initiative is M4-HEALTH, a network where 16 universities and 100 companies and organisations are working together to create a new health ecosystem in Sweden and Europe.
New this year was a two-day M4-HEALTH workshop held alongside the conference, with the first day being the BME programme. Gunnar Cedersund, a member of the organising committees for both the conference and the workshop, was very pleased with the outcome.
鈥淲e created an exciting synergy. Together, we have an opportunity to put LiU on the map as an epicentre for a new health ecosystem.鈥�
Digital twins play a central role in M4-HEALTH, something that was reflected in the programme.
Jimmy Johansson of the graphic design company Variant presented and discussed his movie-realistic and physiologically based digital models of both humans and animals.
Anna Ejve from the elderly care company Norlandia presented the organisation鈥檚 investment in digital twins for employees and, in the future, also for residents in its care facilities.
The afternoon keynote speaker, LiU professor Henrik Green, spoke about cross-disciplinary approaches in forensics, from mass spectrometry to digital twins and AI.
A popular meeting place
There is no doubt that the BME conference is highly valued. Exhibitors, students, visitors and organisers alike emphasised the importance of meeting places such as this.
鈥淢eeting people at events is at the heart of research. It is important for showcasing what you are doing, sharing ideas and spreading new ways of thinking,鈥� says Gunnar Cedersund.
Exhibitor Josefin Damm, PressCise, presented the compression bandage she has developed together with researchers. She sees many benefits in exhibiting at the conference.
鈥淎 forum like this is fertile ground for many new ideas and collaborative projects,鈥� she says.
Collaboration
LiU students Sandra Holst and Ellen Fagergren were also enthusiastic about the conference.
鈥淚t really sparks your interest,鈥� says Ellen Fagergren.
Yosef Al-Abasse, a medical physicist at Link枚ping University Hospital, made the most of the opportunity to meet fellow participants. He highlights the collaboration between Region 脰sterg枚tland and researchers at Link枚ping University.
鈥淚t is extremely important. We need research in medical technology, and it is encouraging that researchers want clinicians involved,鈥� he says.
The eighth BME@LiU day will take place next year. The exact date has not yet been confirmed
