This sandpit will focus on the skills required to develop medical devices. This sandpit will focus on the skills required to develop medical devices. Moving from concept to functional sensors, diagnostic tools, or hardware capable of monitoring clinically relevant biomarkers. Led by Dr Nikhil Bhalla (Ulster University), the workshop will centre on a use‑case of diagnostics for substance use and addictions. Alcohol and drug misuse represents a major public health crisis in Belfast City, contributing to preventable illness and premature deaths. Earlier detection, smarter monitoring, and data-informed intervention may offer opportunities to change care provision and reduce pressure on services.
The programme will bring together expertise in bio diagnostics, electronic physiological signal capture, biomarker identification, sensor technologies, circuit board design, data analysis, risk stratification, and clinical usability. The workshop is suitable for participants interested in developing and designing medical devices and solutions for real‑world use or organisations exploring novel solutions from emergency and community based diagnostics.
