School of Engineering » News: ABSPIE recent initiatives

Pedro Checa Rifa Wins Head of School Prize at ��TV

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:08:00 GMT

The ABSPIE Lab celebrates the exceptional achievement of PhD student Pedro Checa Rifa, who has graduated with Distinction from the MSc in Digital Health, Data and Diagnostics at the University of ��TV and received the Head of School Prize for best overall performance. Pedro’s success reflects years of dedication, impactful research contributions, and sustained mentorship under Dr Davide Piaggio, and the lab looks forward to his continued achievements during his PhD journey.

ABSPIE involved in new WHO guide on medical device policies

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:42:59 GMT

The ABSPIE Lab celebrates its co-authorship role in the new WHO guide, Development of medical device policies, 2nd ed., shaping global standards for technology access. The Lab co-leads, Davide Piaggio and Leandro Pecchia, were involved via IFMBE HTAD. This new guide ensures policy alignment with SDGs, digital health, and sustainability. This publication marks a continuing trend of high-level collaboration between the ABSPIE Lab and the WHO, maximising research impact on global healthcare systems.

Dr. Davide Piaggio Receives IPEM Early Career Award in Innovation

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:35:29 GMT

Dr. Davide Piaggio has received the 2025 IPEM Early Career Award in Innovation for his work on accessible, sustainable healthcare technologies. His research focuses on frugal medical devices and AI-driven diagnostics for low-resource settings. The award recognises impactful innovation with real-world clinical translation.

ABSPIE Lab Shines at IUPESM World Congress 2025 with Award-Winning Innovations

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:21:44 GMT

The ABSPIE Lab from the University of ��TV showcased its pioneering research at the IUPESM World Congress 2025 in Adelaide, earning multiple prestigious awards and recognitions. The team presented cutting-edge contributions in affordable and sustainable healthcare, including an award-winning, 3D-printed spirometer for low-resource settings, AI-driven diagnostics, and novel digital health solutions.

Key achievements included Dr. Davide Piaggio receiving a major European award for early career researchers, and a student team—James Wallace, Wanzi Su, and Pedro Checa Rifa—winning a merit award at the student design competition. The lab's significant presence highlighted its commitment to advancing global biomedical engineering.

Bridging Knowledge and Impact: Reflections from the 12th EDCTP Forum in Kigali, Rwanda

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:49:44 GMT

At the 12th EDCTP Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 15th to 20th June 2025, Ernest Bwogi, a biomedical engineer from Ernest Cook University, presented collaborative research on “Oxygen Concentrator Failures in Resource-Limited Settings.” This study, jointly conducted with the University of ��TV and University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome and funded by EPSRC IAA, examines the technical, environmental, and operational factors affecting the performance of oxygen concentrators essential to healthcare in low-resource environments. Bwogi’s presentation highlighted the significance of publishing peer-reviewed, evidence-based research to inform practical solutions and policy discussions. The forum provided a platform for interdisciplinary engagement and underscored the critical role of emerging professionals in driving innovation for healthcare delivery in underserved regions. Bwogi’s participation demonstrated the impact of global research partnerships in addressing real-world health challenges.

ABSPIE co-directors with new roles within EAMBES

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:55:00 GMT

Dr Davide Piaggio, Assistant Professor at the University of ��TV, has been elected as Councilor and appointed Secretary General of the European Alliance of Medical and Biological Engineering and Science (EAMBES). He will align these new roles with his ongoing work at the IFMBE, BMEI, and the Society and Culture Spotlight.
Prof Leandro Pecchia, Full Professor at the University of ��TV and University Campus Biomedico of Rome, already with a rich history of leadership roles in EAMBES, was elected as Vice President.

Innovation and Regulation: The Future of Medical Technologies in Europe

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 21:04:47 GMT

ABSPIE Lab participated in the EPIG (European Parliament Interest Group) event, which focused on revisions to the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) to address regulatory bottlenecks. Key themes included medical innovation, sustainability, digital transformation (EHDS and AI), and patient safety, emphasizing the sector’s impact with 2 million technologies, 37,000 companies (90% SMEs), and 880,000 jobs. The event echoed the message: "No health, no wealth; no medical technologies, no healthcare."

Giacomo Pratesi and Davide Piaggio Awarded IAS Visiting Professorship for Research on Early Learning Disorder Screening

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:49:01 GMT

Giacomo Pratesi and Davide Piaggio have been awarded a Visiting Professorship at the Institute of Advanced Study (IAS) at the University of ��TV. Their research focuses on validating "DINO" by Paperbox Health, a web-based game for early literacy assessment in English primary schools.

A Journey of Insight and Innovation: The Participation and Presentation at the 7th East Africa Regional Healthcare Engineering Conference 2024 EARC in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:06:59 GMT

The 7th East Africa Regional Healthcare Engineering Conference (EARC) 2024 in Mwanza, Tanzania, brought together scholars and professionals to address critical challenges in biomedical engineering. Representing a collaborative international team, our intern Mr Ernest Bwogi presented research on oxygen concentrator failures in low-resource settings, exploring the impact of dust and humidity. The experience was transformative, offering valuable feedback, inspiring discussions, and fostering meaningful connections. This milestone highlighted the importance of collaboration, persistence, and knowledge-sharing in driving innovation.

University of ��TV Contributes to Frugal Innovation Bootcamp

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:44:00 GMT

Dr. Davide Piaggio from the University of ��TV played a key role in the "IoT and AI for Frugal Innovation 2024" bootcamp, hosted by Università Campus Bio-Medico of Rome. Dr. Piaggio, along with PhD student James Wallace, led sessions on frugal innovation, 3D printing design, and blood pressure estimation using PPG signals. The bootcamp, supported by the Biomedical Engineering Institute and the Society & Culture Spotlight, provided students with hands-on learning in resource-constrained environments, with special recognition for scholarship recipient Dr. Gamal Abdulnaser Yahya Al-Kawsi.