IUPESM Fellow: Martha Lucia Zequera Diaz

Achievement

• Leadership in IFMBE Governance and Strategic Development
  Member of the IFMBE Administrative Council (2018–Present), actively shaping the federation’s strategic direction and governance.
  Contributed to policy-making, ensuring IFMBE’s continued impact on education, innovation, and sustainability in biomedical engineering.
  Strengthened international partnerships and expanded IFMBE’s role in global healthcare technology initiatives.
• Academic and Research Leadership
  Full Professor at the Department of Electronics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
  Directed over 50 undergraduate theses in electronic engineering, 17 master’s theses in bioengineering and electronics, and supervised five Ph.D. dissertations, the most recent receiving honorary recognition for AI applications in diabetic foot management.
  More than 15 years of research in digital health platforms and predictive models for the early diagnosis of diabetes complications, particularly in diabetic foot syndrome, which leads to lower limb amputation.
• Contributions to Scientific and Technological Innovation
  IFMBE Working Group Member (2018–Present), contributing to strategic initiatives in healthcare technology and digital transformation.
  Inventor of Diapetics, a telemedicine platform powered by AI for early detection of plantar ulcers and digital design of customized therapeutic insoles for diabetics.
  Winner of two national innovation awards:
  Superintendence of Industry and Commerce of Colombia.
  Medical Device Chamber of the National Association of Industrialists of Colombia (ANDI).
  Developed a patent-registered AI-based predictive model for diabetic foot ulcer prevention.
  Conducted research on ergonomic and high-performance footwear for improved mobility and comfort.
  Introduced predictive health models for at-risk populations, reinforcing biomedical engineering’s role in preventive healthcare.
• Leadership in Biomedical Engineering Education
  Chair and Organizer (2015–Present) of the Summer School "Emerging Technologies to Support Health and Independent Living", collaborating with faculty from Europe, Asia-Pacific, the U.S., Africa, and Latin America.
  Trained over 500 students and researchers in biomedical innovation, fostering multidisciplinary approaches to real-world healthcare challenges.
  Integrated cutting-edge technologies and industry-driven solutions into IFMBE’s global education initiatives.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Bioengineering
  Mentor and Advisor (2016–Present) for young researchers, actively promoting women in STEM and supporting emerging talent in biomedical engineering.
  Advocated for greater participation of developing countries in IFMBE programs, fostering a more inclusive and diverse research environment.
  Expanded access to specialized bioengineering education, ensuring broader global engagement in technological advancements.
• International Networking and Scientific Leadership
  IFMBE Scientific Committee Member (2020–Present), contributing to the organization’s strategic direction.
  Speaker and panelist at World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering (2018, 2022, 2025) and other IFMBE-affiliated events.
  Organized and chaired sessions in IFMBE Congresses, IEEE-EMBC, and international symposia, strengthening global collaboration in biomedical innovation.
  Established strategic partnerships with universities, healthcare institutions, and industry leaders, promoting interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange.
• Sustainability and Public Health in Biomedical Engineering
  IFMBE Health Technology Assessment Committee Member (2019–Present), advancing sustainable medical device design and regulatory frameworks. Led research on eco-friendly sports footwear and sustainable biomedical technologies, integrating environmental consciousness into healthcare solutions.
  Promoted preventive healthcare models and digital health strategies aligned with international public health policies.