The development of new paradigms in signal processing and communication technologies during the last decade has allowed a significant jump in the processing speed of complex data, allowing numerous embedded implementations for real-time medical applications and the development of cloud computing tools for bio-engineering. Recent years have also witnessed new research directions in medical image analysis, image guided diagnosis and interventions, and tele-robotic control of mobile machines and manipulators. Applications range from the integration of real-time imaging in image-guided therapy to new concepts for the control of mobile machines to assist medical teams in surgical procedures, or to replace crippled limbs by means of artificial implants designed to provide the user with the original functionality of missing or disabled body parts.The design, manufacturing and maintenance of these robotic units requires a variety of skills from bio-engineers and technicians. The development of such a technologically advanced and innovative curriculum for skilled workers, technicians, undergraduate and graduate students is the primary aim of this consortium. The novel curriculum will train highly qualified professional workers through a combined program of fundamental and applied multidisciplinary knowledge that integrates current research from robotics, digital signal processing (DSP), computer vision, and new materials manufacturing. The participating faculty members are able to draw on research expertise in the fields of DSP, robotics, materials and nanomaterials, design of 3D printing for human body, and manufacturing processes. The main innovative elements of the project are the integration of a multidisciplinary programme with EU-based methodology, extensive use of on-line resources, and interactive teaching. The project will impact the internationalisation of all the institutions involved, as well as the modernisation of the education systems in partner countries.
The BIOART project has addressed the development of a novel curriculum in the field of bio-engineering, with a specific focus on smart artificial implants. The consortium identified 7 key areas of interest: sensors technologies, biomedical digital signal processing, machine learning, 3D printing, numerical simulation, biomaterials and biomechanics. Participants from programme/partner countries jointly developed 15 modules within these areas that could then be combined and adapted to the different needs of the 7 IL/UKR partners that implemented the novel curriculum. As a result, 60 new/updated courses based on these modules (approx. 238 ECTS in total) have been included in the academic offer of the IL/UKR partners. Two new BSc and three new MSc programs have been established and accredited at national level in Ukraine, whereas 1 new itinerary and 2 modified itineraries have been developed and accredited at institutional level in Israel. The following main activities have been successfully completed: * Performing a comparative analysis of bio-engineering curricula in programme and partner countries. * Performing a labor market analysis in UKR, IL and selected EU countries. * Defining a cross-regional triangle network for long-term cooperation among EU/IL/UKR HEIs, and signing new Erasmus+ KA1 mobility agreements among EU/IL/UKR HEIs. * Jointly developing 15 new modules and adapting/combining them to implement 60 new courses in IL/UKR HEIs that have been integrated in the existing framework in partner countries and tested with students in different ways (fully face-to-face, fully on-line, and mixed formats) during the academic years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. * Establishing and accrediting 2 new BSc and 3 new MSc programs at national level in UKR, as well as 2 new specializations and 1 modified specializations in IL. * Training 123 participants (including 6 administrative staff) in the 4 development weeks organized in EU HEIs. * Performing face-to-face pilot teaching in the 3 IL HEIs (January 2020), as they were all located around Tel Aviv, and on-line pilot teaching by EU partners in 1 UKR HEI (May-June 2021). * Implementing an on-line international student contest with participation of 35 students from 11 HEIs, 18 researchers/teachers/technicians from the 13 HEIs included in the project, and 4 external experts from academia/industry. * Developing a resource sharing/collaborative platform which can be accessed by all consortium partners and which was extensively used during the international student contest. Altogether, these activities have led to successfully achieving all the general aims and objectives of the project: * Support the modernization, accessibility and internationalization of the higher education field in IL/UKR. * Contribute to the cooperation between the EU and IL/UKR. * Improve the quality of higher education and enhance its relevance for the labor market and society. * Foster regional integration and cooperation across different regions of the world (IL/UKR). More specific project objectives that have also been achieved include the following: * Developing an innovative BSc/MSc curriculum in Smart Artificial Implants that fits current needs of labor market. * Developing knowledge triangle innovation in artificial implants design, manufacturing and maintenance in IL/UKR. * Developing technical and personal competences required by market and society. * Establishing a framework for mobility of engineering students and faculty in IL/UKR to study and teach in EU HEIs. * Increasing students and faculty expertise in IL/UKR.