MEC Symposium | Institute of Biomedical Engineering | UNB

Global Site Navigation (use tab and down arrow)

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

MEC Symposium

Save the date: August 12-15, 2024

MEC24 will be held August 12-15. Pre-conference events will be held on Sunday, August 11.

MEC is a triennial symposium of special interest to those who work in the fields of upper limb prosthetics and myoelectric control (including upper and lower limb). As in previous years, it was hosted by the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, a research institute recognized worldwide for its pioneering work in myoelectric controls.

With many of the uncertainties of Covid behind us, we are pleased to move forward with a full in-person conference program at the Fredericton Convention Centre in beautiful downtown Fredericton. The Hilton Garden Inn is conveniently connected to the conference site.

On behalf of the MEC24 co-chairs, IBME Associate Director Erik Scheme and Research Prosthetist Heather Daley, we hope you can join us.

Register now

Registration closes on July 29th. 

Detailed schedule

Pre-Conference Workshops

We have 4 Pre-Conference Workshops available on Sunday, August 11th. Attendees may register for up to 1 morning workshop and 1 afternoon workshop using the same registration link above.

Morning Workshops

  • Fillauer: Innovations in Upper Limb Prosthetics: Reach Beyond the Boundaries (9:00-12:00pm)
  • BLINCdev: Myoelectric Training and Research with BLINCdev Open-Source Technologies (10:30am-12:00pm)

Afternoon Workshops

  • Embodiment: Human-robot embodiment: myths, principles, techniques, quantification, benefits, and more (1:00pm-4:00pm)
  • LibEMG: A New Open Source Library for Developing Myoelectric Interfaces and Conducting Myoelectric Control Research (1:00pm-5:00pm)

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Helen Huang, Professor, Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the Director of the Closed-Loop Engineering for Advanced Rehabilitation core and co-director of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center. Her research interest lies in neural-machine interfaces, wearer-robot interaction and co-adaptation, robotic prosthetics and exoskeletons, and human motor control/biomechanics.

Dr. Corry K. van der Sluis is a professor and consultant for Rehabilitation Medicine at the University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands. Her field of interest is the rehabilitation of persons with upper limb disorders. Her professional activities comprise patient care, teaching and research. Her research focuses mainly on upper limb amputations and prostheses.

User Feedback Panel

A user feedback panel will discuss relevant topics include aging with a prosthesis, peer support, future research areas. Confirmed panelists include Jon Kuniholm and Annelise Petlock.

Welcome Reception

Kick off the Symposium with a fun and informal welcome event at the Boyce Farmers Market (665 George St.) on Monday, August 12th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Just a short walk from downtown hotels, come savour local flavours at this beverage sampling event, indulge in a delicious poutine bar, enjoy live music, and make new connections!

Exhibitor Bingo

Take advantage of breaks to chat with our exhibitors, learn about their products and services, and get your bingo card stamped. Completed cards will be entered into a drawing for fantastic prizes at the Wednesday night Banquet. It's a great way to network, discover new solutions, and maybe even win big!

Lobster Banquet & Student Awards 

Join us for a memorable evening at the MEC24 Banquet on Wednesday, August 14th, starting at 6:30PM at the Student Union Building (on the UNB campus). Transportation to and from hotels will be provided for your convenience. Indulge in a feast of local lobster (alternatives available) while enjoying the sounds of live jazz music. We'll also be honouring outstanding students with awards and hosting an exciting Exhibitor Bingo prize draw! This popular event brings the MEC community together to celebrate with colleagues, enjoy delicious food, and make lasting memories.


 

Thank you to our sponsors


Sponsorship opportunities

f you would like to sponsor one of our events (gold, silver and bronze options are available), reach out to us at MEC@unb.ca.

Accommodations

The Hilton Garden Inn, connected to the MEC24 conference site at the Fredericton Convention Centre, is offering a courtesy room rate of $209.

Book your room online or call the front desk at 506-999-1551 and quote MEC 2024 to secure the group rate.

Crowne Plaza Fredericton - Lord Beaverbrook (Located just across the street from the conference site at 659 Queen) is also offering a courtesy room rate of $174 for a 2 Queen Standard and $194 for a king premium. Book now.

Delta Fredericton by Mariott is located a 5-minute drive away at 225 Woodstock Road, Fredericton, NB. 506-457-7000 or 888-236-2427.

See Fredericton Tourism and ExploreNB to make the most of your visit.