The EIC Pathfinder project BIOMET4D has held its annual Consortium Meeting in conjunction with a final workshop at the Technical University of Madrid (UPM).

The 3-day event, organised by IMDEA Materials Institute, was attended by members of each of BIOMET4D’s eight project partners, as well as invited guests from outside the consortium.

These included Verónica Campuzano from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), who gave a presentation on medical device regulations.

Also in attendance were four members of BIOMET4D’s Stakeholder Advisory Board: Craniofacial Ireland’s Dr. Dylan Murray, Dr. Pedro Martínez from the Galician Health Service, Xabier Álvarez from APERTcras and Frank Reinauer from KLS Martin in Germany.

The BIOMET4D consortium brings together expertise from materials science, engineering, clinical practice and industrial manufacturing. Alongside project coordinator IMDEA Materials Institute and the UPM, partners include AMAZEMET, the Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, Meotec GmbH, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Schaeffler Aerosint and the University of Galway.

The first day featured presentations on shape-morphing devices, including design methodologies and demonstrations of functional prototypes.

The programme also highlighted the growing role of personalised medicine in craniofacial surgery and patient care. Speakers including Dr. Murray, Dr. Martínez and Mr. Álvarez shared clinical experiences in the development and use of customised medical devices, discussed collaboration between surgeons and engineers, and provided valuable perspectives from patient advocacy organisations.

The second day focused on the future development and translation of 4D medical technologies. Presentations also addressed multi-material powder deposition, the characterisation of biodegradable and biocompatible metals, computational modelling of cranial growth, and preclinical assessment of smart actuator devices. This provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with bringing innovative personalised medical devices to clinical practice.

BIOMET4D has received funding from the EIC Pathfinder under grant agreement No 101047008. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor EISMEA can be held responsible for them.