Robert Merwa

Robert Merwa is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, working in the Medical Engineering department at the TIMed Center (Technology Center for Medical Engineering). His research focuses on biomedical engineering with emphasis on medical imaging and simulation technologies for clinical applications.

His primary research interests include Biomedical Engineering, Medical Imaging, Electrical Impedance Tomography, Magnetic Induction Tomography, and Medical Simulation. He develops innovative medical simulators for surgical training and advanced imaging techniques for diagnostic applications, with significant contributions to epidural needle insertion systems and brain imaging methodologies.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent research trends in medical simulation for surgical training (particularly epidural procedures) and advanced imaging techniques including electrical impedance tomography, magnetic induction tomography, and diffusion MRI. His work bridges engineering principles with clinical medical challenges across multiple sub-disciplines.

Scientific awards:

• The 2019 International Education Faculty Achievement Award (awarded 2020)

Merwa has supervised 7 students and secured research funding from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) and State of Upper Austria (Land OÖ). Key projects include:

• DigiHealth - Qualification for Digitized Health Technologies (2017-2018)
• PatientSim - Building a hybrid patient phantom for spinal surgery (2011-2013)

He leads research initiatives at the TIMed Center and actively promotes medical engineering through educational programs including the annual Winter School in Medical Engineering and KinderUni Medizintechnik outreach events.