Programme

Prof. Ron Summers: From Disruption to Innovation

Disruptive technologies are those that enter the market that have, over time, an opportunity to displace the technologies of the market leaders. The criterion used usually is by cost, even though performance of the disruptive technology might not be as good as those that exist. Emerging health technologies that have the potential to be disruptive will be identified, and as an example applications of XML-mediated open source software will be used as a case study. Messages taken from the disruptive process will be discussed in terms of its impact and value on the innovation cycle.

Ron Summers is Professor of Information Engineering at Loughborough University where he is Executive Director of the Systems Programmes within the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. He is a past-Vice President (two terms) of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, and immediate Past-President of the Institute of Measurement and Control. Ron is a Director of two spin-out companies that deliver solutions to the health technologies market; although it is his experience with his company that has failed that enables him to provide anecdotes for his talk in this event. Learning from failure has been most instructive. One good thing to emerge from the sad experience is the creation of many small companies, formed by ex-colleagues coming together in a self-organised way to deliver products and services for numerous sectors. For this, I take both pleasure and pride.

Dr. Christopher James: Pointers on designing and delivering a technical presentation

This informal discussion will deal with some of the issues surrounding what can make or break your technical presentation. Some general guidelines are given about designing your presentation such that it is serves its function in delivering the message you hope to convey. Pointers are given on good and bad practice in presentation delivery with some examples of both.

Dr. Richard Scott: Engineering Health - A career in the Modern NHS

Biomedical Engineers have, and will continue, to make significant contributions to the health of the population through research and design activities associated with medical devices. Additionally, as the complexity and quantity of medical devices increase in the evolving healthcare setting, Engineers can play a crucial role in risk minimisation and optimisation of patient safety by ensuring the effective management of these devices. Indeed, the current Department of Health project "Modernising Scientific Careers" is aimed at reframing the training and career structure for Engineers working in the National Health Service, (NHS).

With reference to his own career the speaker will give an overview of the modern NHS and Engineering careers in it, together with an introduction to work underway with Modernising Scientific Careers.Specifically, a research project assessing the mechanics of the respiratory system will be described, together with a range of typical activities an Engineer may contribute to in a Medical Physics Service. The principles behind the management of medical devices in the NHS will be explained, as an example of a professional area the Engineer may choose to specialise in. Finally, examples will be given of the role of the Engineer in contributing to management activities within a Hospital setting.

The aim is to give an insight into the work of the "Clinical Engineer" and potential career progression within the Health Service. Throughout the talk there will be practical tips on personal and professional development to aid career advancement. This informal discussion will deal with some of the issues surrounding what can make or break your technical presentation. Some general guidelines are given about designing your presentation such that it is serves its function in delivering the message you hope to convey. Pointers are given on good and bad practice in presentation delivery with some examples of both.