Sjónaukinn 2024

Kjartan Sigurðsson

Assistant Professor at the University of Akureyri

Further information will come soon.

Guðmundur Fertram Sigurjónsson

Founder and CEO of Kerecis

Further information will come soon.

Bergljót Borg og Ósk Sigurðardóttir

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Arna Sól Mánadóttir, Hrafnhildur Ósk Halldórsdóttir og Thelma Dögg Grétarsdóttir

Further information will come soon.

Gojiro Nakagami

Assistant Professor at UTokyo 

After studying Health Sciences at Kobe University School of Medicine and UTokyo and working as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Gojiro Nakagami was appointed as a Visiting Researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2013. He returned to UTokyo as faculty in 2017.

Dr. Nakagami’s research topic is in nursing science and engineering with special focus on developing technologies for the alleviation of geriatric syndrome. He uses animal models to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms, identify novel biomarkers, and develop treatment methods for hard-to-heal wounds. His contributions on a rapid identification technique, a minimally invasive removal method of wound biofilms and a biofilm-based wound management system have been cited worldwide.

Dr. Nakagami has collaborated with the UTokyo Hospital for over 15 years where he has developed a highly accurate pressure injury prediction model based on artificial intelligence. He is an active member of many academic societies including the Japanese Geriatrics Society, the Japanese Society of Pressure Ulcers, the Japanese Society of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Management, the Japanese Society of Nursing Science and Engineering, and the Japanese Academy of Nursing Science where he serves as a board member. During his doctoral studies, he was appointed as Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (DC2).

Summary of Presentation:

Bio-engineering in nursing has gained attention in recent years as a novel research framework dedicated to fostering care innovations. The research process initiates with clarifying clinical needs, followed by elucidating their mechanisms, developing objective measurement methods, and creating intervention devices and systems, culminating in their evaluation in clinical settings. This approach allows us to offer tangible solutions to clinical challenges and generate a substantial social impact. This presentation will share advancements in wound technologies that target wound biofilms, based on the bio-engineering nursing research framework.

Wound biofilms significantly hinder the healing of pressure injuries, making the targeting of biofilms a crucial aspect of enhanced wound care. Effective care for biofilm-based wounds requires clinically feasible methods for both detecting and eradicating biofilm. Our approach to biofilm detection employs a wound blotting technique that effectively captures small molecules, such as polysaccharides—a primary component of biofilm—from the wound surface. These molecules are then stained with Alcian blue, allowing for the visualization of biofilms in just two minutes.

For biofilm removal, ultrasonic debridement offers a non-invasive solution. We use a low-frequency (<100 kHz) and low-intensity (<100 mW/cm²) ultrasound device, attached to a curette-type probe, effectively eliminating biofilm, guided by the stained areas on the blotted membrane.

This presentation will explore the development of the wound blotting method for biofilm detection and its clinical applications in enhancing wound healing. Through this approach, we aim to improve the treatment of pressure injuries by overcoming the critical barrier posed by biofilm.

Sigríður Halldórsdóttir

Professor at the Faculty of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences

Sigríður Halldórsdóttir Ph.D. (Med. Dr.) completed her master's degree from the University of British Columbia in Canada in 1988 and her doctorate from the University of Linköping in Sweden in 1996. She has been a professor at the University of Akureyri since 1998 and has mainly taught research methodology. She has published research articles on various aspects of human life and three books on research methodology. 

Summary of Presentation will come soon.

Hanna Sigríður Ásgeirsdóttir

Project Manager for Hátindur 60+

Hanna Sigridur Asgeirsdottir, project manager for Hatindur 60+in Fjallabyggd, has been in independent business for the past 12 years and holds a B.A. degree in Social Sciences from Bifröst University.

Further information will come soon.