Core Areas of Activity

1. Medical Image Analysis

C-BER is highly specialized in the development of Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems. This involves the creation of advanced algorithms designed to process and interpret data from various medical imaging modalities. - Oncology: Developing tools for the early detection and classification of tumors in breast, lung, and skin imaging. - Ophthalmology: Researching automated methods for screening retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and fundus images. - Neuroimaging: Utilizing MRI and PET scans to identify biomarkers for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimerâ??s disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

2. Neuroengineering

This area focuses on understanding the complexities of the nervous system and developing interfaces to restore or enhance neurological function. - Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI): Developing non-invasive systems that allow individuals with motor impairments to control external devices or communicate through brain activity (EEG). - Neuro-rehabilitation: Creating technology-assisted therapy protocols, often involving robotics or virtual reality, to aid in the recovery of stroke victims and patients with traumatic brain injuries.

3. Biosignal Processing and Wearables

C-BER researchers work extensively on the acquisition and interpretation of physiological signals. This research is critical for continuous health monitoring outside of traditional clinical settings. - Wearable Sensors: Designing hardware and software for the long-term monitoring of heart rate (ECG), muscle activity (EMG), and respiratory functions. - Edge Computing in Health: Implementing real-time signal processing on low-power wearable devices to provide immediate feedback to users and clinicians.

4. Digital Health and Health Informatics

The center addresses the systemic challenges of modern healthcare through the optimization of data management and clinical workflows. - Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS): Building AI-driven platforms that integrate patient data to assist doctors in making more accurate and evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. - Interoperability and Data Security: Ensuring that health data can be shared securely and efficiently across different institutional platforms while maintaining strict patient privacy.

Products and Services

Algorithm Licensing and Software Modules

C-BER produces high-level software components that can be integrated into existing medical devices or clinical software suites. - Automated Screening Modules: Algorithms capable of performing mass screenings of medical images, significantly reducing the workload for radiologists. - Quantification Tools: Software that provides objective measurements of physiological parameters (e.g., vessel diameter, lesion volume) to reduce inter-observer variability in clinical assessments.

Contract Research and Development (R&D)

The center offers specialized R&D services to industrial partners in the biotechnology and medical device sectors. - Custom AI Model Development: Building bespoke machine learning models tailored to specific clinical datasets provided by industry partners. - Prototyping and Technical Validation: Developing functional prototypes for new biomedical devices and conducting rigorous technical testing to ensure they meet performance benchmarks.

Clinical Validation and Technical Consulting

C-BER provides expert advisory services to help navigate the complexities of medical technology implementation. - Regulatory Support: Assisting companies in preparing the technical documentation required for regulatory certifications (such as CE marking or FDA clearance) for Software as a Medical Device (SaMD). - Hospital Digitalization Consulting: Advising healthcare institutions on the integration of artificial intelligence and digital record-keeping systems to improve operational efficiency.

Advanced Training and Knowledge Transfer

As a research-centric entity, C-BER provides high-level training to bridge the skill gap in the biomedical sector. - Specialized Workshops: Training programs for medical professionals on how to effectively use and interpret AI-based diagnostic tools. - PhD and Post-Doctoral Programs: Hosting advanced researchers in collaboration with the University of Porto to foster the next generation of biomedical engineers.

Strategic Impact and Partnerships

C-BER is a key player in the European research landscape, participating in numerous high-profile projects funded by programs like Horizon Europe. Locally, it maintains a symbiotic relationship with the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto. These partnerships allow C-BER to access high-quality clinical data and conduct pilot studies in real-world environments, ensuring that their technological outputs are both clinically relevant and ready for market adoption. Through its commitment to translational research, C-BER continues to drive the digital transformation of the healthcare industry in Portugal and beyond.