Dr Ben Metcalfe, Deputy Head of the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, has been appointed Vice-President (Academic) of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
The Institute, based in York, is the professional organisation that represents the role of physicists, engineering and technologists in delivering and improving healthcare. IPEM's 4,600 members work in a range of roles, from ensuring patients are correct diagnosed and safely treated for illnesses such as cander and stroke through work on imaging and radiotherapy, while others maintain and manage medical equipment such as MRI and ultrasound scanners, X-ray machines, drug delivery systems and patient monitors.
IPEM members' research and innovation leads to new technologies and methods that improve on existing medical treatments.
As well as being appointed to the VP(A) role, Dr Metcalfe has also been elected a Fellow of the Institute.
He said: "I am truly honoured to be appointed as Vice-President (Academic) of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine and to be elevated to Fellow of the Institute.
"Academic research, and its translation into clinical practice, is pivotal to achieving IPEM’s Mission to improve healthcare and transform lives. Our membership is drawn from both academia and healthcare, and this unique blend empowers us to advance education and research for the benefit of all. As Vice-President (Academic) I look forward to supporting the President to achieve our Mission and to continue to build our academic partnerships on a global scale."
Dr Metcalfe's research has focused worked on the link between electrical stimulation and treatment of medical conditions, including stimulation of the vagus nerve that could lead to new treatments for epilepsy, depression and arthritis; and the 'EarSwitch' device, which is designed to help people with Motor Neurone Disease and other conditions to communicate.
He also presented his work on a device to reduce injury in race horses to HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.