Project description DEENESFRITPL Study of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with the human body Understanding the dielectric properties of biological tissue is essential for the comprehension of the interaction of electromagnetic (EM) fields and the human body. Dielectric tissue properties are required for assessing EM radiation safety, as well as the development and improvement of EM imaging and therapeutic technologies. However, investigating these properties is often challenging due to the requirement of multidisciplinary expertise, including physics, biology, and engineering. The ERC-funded BIOELECPRO project will conduct a detailed investigation into the factors which influence dielectric measurements, their interactions, and how they can be modelled to establish actual dielectric measurement. By leveraging the insights gained, the project intends to contribute to the development of next-generation EM-based medical devices. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective The dielectric properties of biological tissues are of fundamental importance to the understanding of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with the human body. These properties are used to determine the safety of electronic devices, and in the design, development and refinement of electromagnetic medical imaging and therapeutic devices. Many historical studies have aimed to establish the dielectric properties of a broad range of tissues. A growing number of recent studies have sought to more accurately estimate these dielectric properties by standardising measurement procedures, and in some cases, measuring the dielectric properties in-vivo. However, these studies have often produced results in direct conflict with historical studies, casting doubt on the accuracy of the currently utilised dielectric properties. At best, this uncertainty could significantly delay the development of electromagnetic imaging or therapeutic medical devices. At worst, the health dangers of electromagnetic radiation could be under-estimated. The applicant will embark upon frontier research to develop improved methods and standards for the measurement of the dielectric properties of biological tissue. The research programme will accelerate the design and development of electromagnetic imaging and therapeutic devices, at a time when the technology is gaining significant momentum. The primary objective of the research is to develop a deep understanding of the fundamental factors which contribute to errors in dielectric property measurement. These factors will include in-vivo/ex-vivo measurements and dielectric measurement method used, amongst many others. Secondly, a new open-access repository of dielectric measurements will be created based on a greatly enhanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying dielectric property measurement. Finally, new electromagnetic-based imaging and therapeutic medical devices will be investigated, based on the solid foundation of dielectric data. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicselectromagnetismmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologybreast cancerengineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imaging Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-StG-2014 - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2014-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Host institution UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY Net EU contribution € 1 499 329,00 Address UNIVERSITY ROAD H91 Galway Ireland See on map Region Ireland Northern and Western West Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 499 329,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY Ireland Net EU contribution € 1 499 329,00 Address UNIVERSITY ROAD H91 Galway See on map Region Ireland Northern and Western West Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 499 329,00
