Piquing International Interest: Biomagnetism Experts Connect in Nova Scotia

Dr. Steven Beyea, Scientific Lead at BIOTIC, shows his son what it is like to have a MEG scan in the IWK’s BIOTIC lab, where they are conducting leading-edge work in brain-mapping.

Contributed by Trade Centre Limited

Ever wonder what is going on inside your brain? The 500+ international biomedical imaging experts coming to town later this month certainly do. They’ll be joining Nova Scotia’s life sciences community for the 19th International Conference on Biomagnetism (Biomag 2014), taking place August 24-28 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in the heart of downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Biomag 2014 is the world's premier conference on biomagnetism—a process of using the body’s natural magnetic signals to create dynamic maps of how organs such as the brain and heart are functioning. This provides more accurate diagnosis and helps improve patient care.

The 2014 biennial event is attracting delegates from over 30 countries across the globe, and is essential to connecting local researchers, academics, practitioners, and industry personnel with their global counterparts to share the latest innovations and foster collaboration. It is also an opportunity to maximize new research and international business development potential, providing increased community and economic benefits for Nova Scotia.

Local industry experts have already been making a positive impact around the globe with innovative advancements in research and development. One example is through work conducted by the Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (BIOTIC), a multi-site imaging centre that is embedded in the IWK Health Centre and the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"Biomag 2014 represents a significant opportunity for Nova Scotia as the world is coming to see what our province has to offer,” says Denise Lalanne, Business Development Manager of BIOTIC. “It has increased our profile in the global scientific community and is allowing us to demonstrate that we have the expertise, capabilities and experience in Halifax to be a significant player in the development of research that leads to new advancements in healthcare and medical technologies.”

The BIOTIC team co-develops medical technologies as well as creates new imaging techniques and methods for diagnosing and monitoring treatment. They are the only group in Atlantic Canada with a collection of research-dedicated imaging technologies of this magnitude. Their work has caught the attention of Elekta, a multi-national medical device company that has established their Canadian R&D arm in Halifax. Elekta is also BIOMAG’s major sponsor, and will be showcasing their latest technology at this year’s conference along with technologies that are being developed in collaboration with BIOTIC.

Nova Scotia's life sciences sector is continuously growing and piquing international interest. Halifax has one of the largest concentrations of health care facilities and specialists in Canada. The sector is further supported by sophisticated medical equipment and facilities, top-ranked post-secondary institutions and a lucrative research and development environment.

This is the second time the international conference has been hosted in Canada.