Global experts gathered at Birmingham for the annual meeting of ISO Technical Committee 150 (ISO/TC 150).
The University of Birmingham welcomed more than 200 delegates from across industry, healthcare, regulatory bodies, academia and patient groups for the annual meeting of ISO Technical Committee 150 (ISO/TC 150). The committee develops international standards for implantable surgical devices used worldwide.
Hosted by Professor Richard Hall, Professor of Biomechanical and Oncological Engineering, the meeting highlighted how University of Birmingham research contributes to the development of international standards for implantable medical devices. It also brought together experts from countries including China, the United States, Germany, Brazil and across Europe.
ISO/TC 150 provides a platform for international collaboration that supports the safety, performance and regulation of devices before they are put into use. The committee develops shared approaches for assessing devices. These help balance patient safety with innovation and support adoption across healthcare systems.
As new technologies become increasingly important to medical device development, standards provide a common language. They help manufacturers, regulators and healthcare providers to use the same evidence base for assessment.
Recent discussions have included new materials that mimic bone for early-stage device testing, systems used to deliver replacement heart valves, and updates to the testing of knee implants.
Professor Richard Hall, Professor of Biomechanical and Oncological Engineering, said:
"These standards cover both the specification of devices and how they are tested. People often think standards exist solely for health and safety reasons, but they also play a critical role in facilitating trade and implementation. As new technologies become increasingly important to medical device development, standards provide a common language. They help manufacturers, regulators and healthcare providers to use the same evidence base for assessment."
Internationally recognised testing methods help manufacturers avoid unnecessary duplication, reduce costs and bring new technologies to market more efficiently.
Professor Karl Dearn, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Interim Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said:
“Hosting ISO/TC 150 at Birmingham reflects the strength and international reach of our research, and the important role universities can play in shaping the standards that enable innovation. As we bring together our strengths across science and engineering, this is exactly the kind of activity we want to build on: connecting research, healthcare and industry to shape global practice and translate new technologies safely and effectively into patient benefit.”
The event marks the first time the annual ISO/TC 150 meeting has been hosted in the UK since 2012.
Klaus Zeier, Outgoing Committee Manager said: “Personal relationships and mutual trust are at the heart of effective standards development. As host, the University of Birmingham created an environment in which more than 30 new experts were able to engage with the ISO/TC 150 community and build new connections."
Meeting discussions also explored the challenges created by emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing. Experts considered how standards can continue to support the safe development and assessment of increasingly sophisticated implantable devices.
The event also showcased the important role universities play in supporting the development and evolution of international standards. The University of Birmingham contributes expertise across implant design, advanced biomechanical testing, additive manufacturing and clinical retrieval analysis. Recent investment in facilities such as the FractureFix International Centre of Excellence further strengthens the University's capability in medical device testing, simulation and healthcare engineering research.
This work, including Professor Hall's research in biomechanical engineering, helps researchers and partners understand how implantable devices perform in both laboratory and healthcare settings. The resulting evidence informs testing methods and supports the development of international standards.
As medical technologies evolve, the standards developed through ISO/TC 150 will help ensure new devices can be developed, tested and adopted with confidence across healthcare systems worldwide. Through its partnerships with the NHS and the wider West Midlands health and life sciences sector, the University helps translate research into patient benefit while generating evidence that supports international standards.
For more information, please contact the press office @ University of Birmingham or call +44 (0)121 4142772.
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 40,000 students from over 150 countries.
England’s first civic university, the University of Birmingham is proud to be rooted in one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the country. A member of the Russell Group and a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities, the University of Birmingham has been changing the way the world works for more than a century.
Professor of Biomechanical and Oncological Engineering
Profile of Professor Richard M Hall, University of Birmingham
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Interim Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Staff profile for Professor Karl Dearn, University of Birmingham
