Abstract
The advent of 5G technology presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges, particularly in bioelectromagnetics. While its enhanced capabilities enable smart cities, autonomous systems, and high-speed connectivity, the introduction of higher frequency bands necessitates rigorous investigation into human health impacts. This seminar delves into cutting-edge multilevel methodologies that integrate experimental and computational techniques to model exposure at molecular, cellular, and anatomical levels. A key focus is on tissue interactions, leveraging microdosimetry and molecular dynamics to understand localized absorption and potential biological effects and mechanisms. Beyond telecommunications, these methodologies open avenues for transformative medical applications. By employing digital twins and advanced microscopy, researchers can explore targeted therapies, such as non-invasive neuromodulation and tissue regeneration for neurological conditions. This seminar highlights the dual potential of Bioelectromagnetic research —not only ensuring safety in technological progress— but also pioneering medical innovations that address critical health challenges.
About the speakers
Francesca Apollonio (Member, IEEE) received the PhD from Sapienza University of Rome, Italy in 1998. She is Full Professor at the Department of Electronic Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, where she is affiliated since 2003. Presently she is Chair of the URSI main Commission K “Electromagnetics in Biology and Medicine”, she is part of the Board of Directors of BioEM Society and member of the IEEE MTT-S TC-28. Since 2020 she is member of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Scientific Expert Group. From 2016 to 2020 she has been National Representative for the Action COST CA15211. From 2015 to 2016 she has been Technical Program Committee Chair for the Annual Meeting of the Bioelectromagnetics Society (BEMS) and the European BioElectromagnetics Association (EBEA), BioEM2016. From 2012 to 2015, she served on the Board of Directors of the Bioelectromagnetic Society. She has authored more than 200 scientific publications on peer-reviewed international journals and conferences and chapter books. Her research interests include main aspects related to the interaction between electromagnetic fields and biological systems with reference to electroporation, smart drug delivery, molecular simulations of complex systems and exposure systems dosimetry and design.
Micaela Liberti (Senior Member, IEEE) received the M.Sc. degree in electronic engineering and the Ph.D. degree from the Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, in 1995 and 2000, respectively. She is currently an Associate Professor with the Department of
Information Engineering, Electronics, and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome. Her scientific research interests include theoretical modeling in bioelectromagnetics, biomedical applications of EMF, microdosimetry, and exposure systems, as well as applicators dosimetry and design. From 2012 to 2015, she was the national supplement representative of European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) TD1104: European network for the development of electroporation-based technologies and treatments. In 2019, she co-chaired BIOEM2019, the Joint Annual Meeting of the Bioelectromagnetics Society (BEMS) and the European Bioelectromagnetics Association (EBEA), held from June 23, 2019 to June 28, 2019 in Montpellier, France. In 2020 and 2021, she was the President of the European Bioelectromagnetic Association (EBEA), and till March 2022, she was the President ad interim of BioEM. Since 2021, Dr. Liberti has been a member of the Scientific Expert Group for the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Technical Advisory Committee of the International Union of Radioscience (URSI) Commission K. Since 2022, she has been a member of TC28 of the IEEE MTT Society.