Kategorie: ‘Veranstaltungen’
‘Colloquium Biomedical Engineering and Related Fields’ – Invitation to the current lecture
The lecture, entitled ‘Mobility in older adults‘, will be moderated by Professor Steffen Leonhardt, Chair holder of the Medical Information Technology (MedIT) at the Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, on Thursday, 30 January 2025.
Professor Wiebren Zijlstra, Head of the Institute of Movement and Sport Gerontology at the German Sport University Cologne, will deliver a presentation on factors which underly age-related changes in mobility based on experimental laboratory-based studies as well as studies of real-life mobility.
In the abstract that precedes the lecture, Professor Zijlstra outlines the various challenges presented by mobility in daily life, such as finding the way to a target location, while ensuring safe progression by continuously perceiving the environment and adapting locomotion if needed, e.g. in order to avoid potential collisions with obstacles, other pedestrians, or traffic. Such adaptive control of locomotion requires physical and cognitive functions and, even without overt pathological conditions, age-related changes in functioning may cause older persons to show a reduced mobility and an increased fall risk. Mobility limitations are associated with reduced quality-of-life, a plethora of negative health outcomes, and an increased morbidity and mortality. According to Professor Zijlstra, it is important to understand factors that contribute to an age-related reduction in mobility and when possible develop effective interventions.
„Results of recent studies show that physical capacity alone is poor in predicting older adults’ mobility performance in real-life. Other studies show that age-related changes in cognition, especially the so-called executive functions, are associated with a reduced mobility and an increased fall-risk,“ the specialist points out.
Executive functions are crucial for adaptive locomotion, as they enable a person to monitor behaviour in relation to the environment and to adapt behaviour when necessary. By focusing on two key components of executive functions (cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control), this talk will also present recent results from studies that aim to better understand the role of cognitive control during mobility-related tasks.
Despite an abundance of mobility studies and increasing insight in factors that negatively impact on mobility in older persons, it is yet unclear to what degree the combination of these factors predicts real-life mobility, Professor Zijlstra continues in his apstract. Only a limited number of recent studies considered various potential mobility determinants by combining measures from physical, cognitive, and psycho-social functioning.
„These studies showed that real-life mobility cannot yet be predicted very well. Taken together, these findings necessitate more well-focused studies of real-life mobility in various groups of older adults, as well as experimental studies of older adults’ performance of complex mobility tasks which resemble daily life conditions,“ he concludes.
The ‘Colloquium on Biomedical Engineering and Related Areas’ is a regular series of events organised by RWTH Aachen University. The objective of the series is to facilitate interdisciplinary education in these fields and to encourage the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas.
A cordial invitation is extended to all students, clinicians, engineers and scientists to attend this illuminating lecture and engage in discourse with experts in the field of biomedical engineering.
The event will take place from 5 to 5:45 pm at the Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 20, 52074 Aachen, Germany, seminar room 2.70. It will be coordinated by Prof. Dr. Klaus Radermacher, Chair of Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University. For further information please contact the secretariat at meditec@hia.rwth-aachen.de or call +49-(0)241-80 23870.
Hackers, attacks and malware – an up-to-date overview
Professor Ulrike Meyer from the Department of IT Security at RWTH Aachen will give an online lecture on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by a discussion. Admission is free.
The threats posed by cyberattacks have steadily increased, and IT security has thus increasingly come into focus for companies as well as individuals. During the presentation of the current report on the state of IT security in Germany (2024) by the Federal Office for Information Security, its president Claudia Plattner describes the IT threat situation as “worrisome” and states that “particularly ransomware, espionage, and disinformation endanger our prosperity and our democracy”.
The lecture addresses current attacks and the underlying business models of cybercriminals. Additionally, a selection of solution approaches developed at RWTH for attack detection using machine learning will be presented.
In cooperation with the Computer Science Department of RWTH, FZ Jülich, Regional Group of the Society for Computer Science (RIA), Regional Industrial Club for Computer Science Aachen (Regina), and Aachen Group of the German University Association.
Access to the webinar and video via access link
If someone misses the lecture, they can watch it later as a video.
Birthday edition of the RWTH Science Night ‘5 to 12’
For the 20th time, RWTH Aachen University offered a glimpse behind the scenes. This time, 7,200 visitors, including many children, came to the C.A.R.L. auditorium between 6 p.m. and midnight to experience the world of research at close quarters.
What started out as a modest idea to present science at an unusual time, in an entertaining way and free of charge to anyone interested, has grown over the past 20 years into a mega-event that not only attracts thousands of guests, but also inspires the members of the university involved. Once again, the team of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology welcomed curious children of all ages and were on hand to help them with experiments.
With questions such as “Why isn’t the light on now?”, “How does that work?” or “Can I do one more experiment?” younger children followed their natural urge to discover new things.
The programme included reconstructing electrical circuits where they could visualise electric current as light or movement. They made switches, explored the magnetic and thermal effects of electricity, learned to distinguish between conductors and non-conductors, and finally became familiar with electricity.
Older children ‘already had this at school’ and enjoyed putting their theoretical knowledge to the test. But adults also found their way to our station, taking the opportunity to generate lightning with the influencing machine, thoughtfully lingering in front of the floating globe, or attentively studying the model of the power distribution network set up by the Chair of Automation of Complex Power Systems. The joy of experiencing research and progress together is clearly at the centre of the Science Night.
„We want to show in an entertaining way what RWTH has to offer – and in such a way that everyone who wants to know something can understand it,’ said Rector Ulrich Rüdiger.
The potential of the Science Night is therefore even greater, as it represents an important interface where the direct transfer of knowledge takes place in a social and cultural context. In line with the motto ‘from the laboratories to the people’, it makes an important contribution to promoting proximity between science and society.
The programme for this year’s Science Night took place in ten lecture halls and numerous seminar rooms. There were over 80 shows and lectures, experiments, talks and discussions. From Artificial Intelligence (the experts from the RWTH’s AI Centre had brought along the robot ‘Pepper’ for support) to the ‘Physics Fair’, from the latest information on the US elections and the spectacular ‘Fascination of High Voltage’ to the circular economy, floating Teslas and the construction site of the future. The range of topics was as colourful and diverse as the RWTH itself.
Further information on the programme, as well as impressions and experiences of the organisers – Department of Press and Communication, Section 3.2 – can be accessed via the links.
Excellent researchers on an interdisciplinary stage: lecture by Professor Monti
On 17 April, Professor Antonello Monti of RWTH Aachen University will speak at the scientific meeting of the engineering and economics class of the “Nordrhein-Westfälische Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Künste” about the development goals of his discipline in terms of solving major societal challenges.
Against the background of the international situation, the energy transition process is more important than ever.The necessary technological transformation of the energy system must be approached from two angles: On the one hand, a new major player in energy supply has emerged: renewable energy. On the other hand, there are new consumers such as electromobility and heat pumps. Digitalisation is proving to be a key enabler in this process. You could even say that digitalisation is not an option, but a necessity. The power system is consequently becoming a large, programmable cyber physical infrastructure with a high level of complexity. In his presentation “The Digitalisation of the Energy Systems: from the electrons to the cloud”, Professor Monti addresses this complexity by analysing the solutions currently being developed for the different levels of the infrastructure.
” Rethinking the whole architecture means reconsider the basic principles of operation of the new power system but also the corresponding IT systems”,
announced Professor Monti, Director of the Institute for Automation of Complex Power Systems (ACS).
So what does it mean to run a digital grid? And will we be able to build a digital grid that is as reliable as the current infrastructure?
The solutions he proposes in his presentation are the result of concrete experience from large European research projects. Professor Monti leads a research group with about 50 full time scientists working intensively on the the border between energy and information and communication technologies. He is responsible for coordinating some of the most relevant European projects in this field, such as OneNet, TwinEU und int:net. His research work has received several awards, including the prestigious “IEEE Field Medal Award for Innovation in Public Infrastructure” and the “NRW Innovation Award”.
In another presentation – “Sustainable metals: contributions from basic research” – Professor Dierk Raabe from the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials will address the question of whether we can succeed in decarbonising a key industry with “green steel”.
Further information on the Nordrhein-Westfälische Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Künste can be found on the organisation’s homepage.
Review of the RWTH Science Night “5 to 12”
A look behind the scenes at the university for the 19th time: Visitors of all ages experienced the world of research from an impressive close-up.
On November 10, 2023, RWTH Aachen University opened the doors of its lecture hall center C.A.R.L. from 7 p.m. to midnight to encourage guests of all ages to get involved in the spirit of science, live out their curiosity and be inspired. What began as a modest idea over 19 years ago has developed into a mega-event that not only attracts thousands of guests, but also delights the participating and presenting university members in equal measure.
“It started out unspectacularly with around 500 visitors,” recalls project manager Thomas von Salzen from the Department of Press and Communication at RWTH Aachen University.
The idea of presenting science at an unusual time, entertaining and free of charge for all who are interested, preceded the event. The concept has since been successfully developed so that it now offers an extensive program in which researchers from numerous disciplines passionately participate. True to the motto “from the labs to the people”, the Science Night represents a unique platform that enables the direct transfer of knowledge in a social and cultural context. The focus is on the joy of experiencing research and progress together and in this way makes a valuable contribution to strengthening the links between science and society.
The annual event is also a special highlight for the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Faculty members shared their own enthusiasm for their department with the youngest guests at the Science Night. Numerous children settled down at their station with the construction kits and playfully put together electric circuits or explored the question of magnetism in the case of a rally. Also impressive was a plasma ball on display, which invited visitors to explore this fascinating phenomenon.
” Supporting the children in this was my personal highlight. Between all the light effects, the children’s eyes shone the brightest,” concludes Katharina Uhlig from the team of public relations of the deanery.
This year’s Science Night program was particularly focused on the topics of energy, artificial intelligence and mathematics. In addition, various fields of research were presented in their usual manner: impressive and comprehensible in the form of lectures, breathtaking experiments and eye-catching exhibits. In total, the program included around 30 lectures and 60 exhibits from research and teaching.
Young and older guests experienced special moments on the journey of discovery through “The fascinating world of science and technology”, which extended through Eric Siemes’ “Colorful experiment show”.
The show “Making music with light – experiencing music-synchronized laser shows” by the Chair of Optical Systems Technology and MHL²-Laser&Lights also left a lasting impression. Here, laser light images “danced” amazingly synchronized to the music through the room; while the guests in the immediate vicinity “literally had their hair standing on end”. There they took part in an interactive high-voltage show by the physics department.
The traditional physics fair also once again showcased all kinds of physical phenomena and invited visitors to try out many experiments for themselves.
Finally, the annual RWTH Science Slam in the main lecture hall of the Audimax was once again attended by numerous guests: Several science slammers competed against each other in an entertaining “contest of knowledge”.
Further information on the program, as well as impressions and experiences of both the organizers – Department of Press and Communication, Division 3.2 – and the participants can be accessed via the links.
IntSpire – the Prize for Internationalization
Creativity, diversity and internationality are the building blocks of excellent solutions to the global challenges of our time.
In order to make visible and honor people and institutions within RWTH Aachen University who make an exceptional contribution to the internationalization of the university, the “IntSpire” prize was established in 2020 by the International Office and the Prorector for International Affairs and has since been awarded annually in a festive setting and with prize money of 500 euros.
Internationalization permeates all levels of our university and changes them in a far-reaching and sustainable way. It opens up the boundaries of our own horizons and is crucial for education, teaching, research and the future of our society.
In order to promote and advance the diverse facets of living internationalization at RWTH, many individuals and institutions are committed beyond the normal scope.
Against this backdrop, the IntSpire team is calling for suggestions for honors from among RWTH members. These can be individuals such as employees and students, but also organizations, facilities and institutes that are particularly committed to the internationalization of RWTH. During the proposal phase from September 1 to October 15, a proposal form can be filled out and submitted by e-mail. A jury consisting of representatives of the university management, the professorate, the International Office, the Staff Council for Technology and Administration, the Staff Council for Scientific Employees and the students of RWTH Aachen University will select an award-winning person or institution from the proposals received and substantiated in writing.
For more information and the proposal form, please visit the official RWTH page.
Writing Workshop E-Technology Winter Semester 2023/24
You are studying a bachelor or master subject at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology? The study or final thesis is now imminent? Then get the support of the Language Center and benefit twice!
The semester course in presence strengthens the subject-specific writing and text competence with customized writing advice. Practical workshops based on text examples from electrical engineering and information technology provide know-how on text structure, language, style and citation. The online expert feedback in the writing consultation helps to individually apply what has been learned in the course to the current project or thesis. Voluntary participation in an introductory course on technical subject research at the University Library is also offered as part of the course.
After successful participation, the Language Center awards a certificate and 3 CP, which are creditable according to the respective examination regulations.
International students must prove a German language level of at least C1.2 as a prerequisite for participation in the course.
Registration takes place via the user account at the Language Center.
Registration deadline: September 29 – October 10, 2023
Dates:
Group 1 02.54478 |
Group 2 02.54479 |
Wed, 08.11.2023 Wed, 22.11.2023 Wed, 06.12.2023 Wed, 10.01.2024 each from 09.00 to 12.00 hrs |
Wed, 15.11.2023 Wed, 29.11.2023 Wed, 13.12.2023 Wed, 17.01.2024 each from 09.00 to 12.00 hrs |
Contact for queries: schreibzentrum@sz.rwth-aachen.de
MedIT looks back on 20 years of history
Happy Birthday!
Since the founding of the Chair of Medical Information Technology (formerly the Philips Chair of Medical Information Technology) on 01.08.2003, a lot has happened: new research areas have been opened up, international collaborations have been established, a branch office has been opened and many young PhD students have graduated here.
MedIT is grateful and proud of this development and would like to share it with old and new colleagues, partners and friends.
To mark this occasion, an anniversary celebration will take place in September 2023, which will also include a symposium in which MedIT would like to discuss the past and future of the chair as well as medical technology in Aachen and the world.
Further information on the lecture programme: Das MedIT feiert sein 20-jähriges Bestehen (rwth-aachen.de) (only in german)