The founding members of the new interdisciplinary reseach network for trauma biomechanics (TIM) experts expect better security in traffic, working environments, sports and leisure from this networking effort. The official foundation ceremony took place at the University of Applied Sciences (HSR) in Regensburg, Germany, on Friday, June 11th, 2010. Powerful partners teamed up to establish the new research network TIM: the faculty of Mechnical Science at HSR, the department of Trauma Surgery of University Hospital Regensburg, the Institute for Forensic Medicine at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, the Federal Highway Research Institute and the Partnership for Dummy Technology and Biomechanics (pdb). The pdb originally initiated the TIM network and represents the five biggest Automotive Manufactures in Germany: Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen.
President Prof. Dr. Josef Eckstein of HSR welcomed the above mentioned founding partners of the new research network and more than 130 prominent guests from politics, economy, research and federal authorities. He stated: “The trauma biomechanics research network TIM fits extremely well into the overall scientific landscape of our teaching and research activities at HSR. I am especially pleased that the TIM Office will take up residence at our University of Applied Sciences here in Regensburg.” The Dean of Mechnical Engineering, Prof. Dr. Georg Rill, followed to present the activities of his faculty and explained its specific teaching and research skills in the field of trauma biomechanics.
Prof. Dr. med. Michael Nerlich, Director of the department of Trauma Surgery at University Hospital Regensburg, and Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Graw, provisional head of the managing board of the Institute for Forensic Medicine at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, both highlighted the increasing importance of trauma-biomechanics in General Medicine and Forensic Medicine. Dipl.-Ing. Bernd Lorenz, head of the unit for Passive Safety of Vehicles and Biomechanics at the Federal Highway Research Institute, referred to biomechanics as a prerequisite for legal regulations concerning vehicle safety.
“Detailed knowlegde about injury mechanisms is the basis for reducing injury risks in car occupants and road users and can only be achieved through expert biomechanical research,” declared Klaus Bortenschlager, Executive Director of pdb. Mr. Bortenschlager and his pdb colleagues represent the five leading German automotive manufactures in the TIM research network. In his presentation Mr. Bortenschlager explained the background of the new research network and showed how TIM can contribute to improve road safety for all road users providing a constant information workflow to enhance communication and coordination within the trauma biomechanics expert community. On behalf of the five biggest automotive manufactures Dr. Robert Zobel, head of the department of Accident Research at Volkswagen, and Dipl.-Ing. Dirk Ockel, working for Accident Research at Daimler, talked about the increasing relevance of trauma biomechanical research for the safety lay out design in vehicles.
The research network TIM for trauma biomechanics experts is independent and open to everybody willing to contribute to the agreed objectives of its participants. An expert committee consisting of representatives from research, teaching, industry and public authorities will coordinate the TIM network in the future. The TIM office itself is located at the faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Regensburg. For the time being Dr. med. Alexander Leis will be representing TIM Office.
UPDATE: You’ll find pictures of the founding meeting here.
Picture left: The partners of the trauma biomechanic research network “TIM“ (starting from the left): Prof. Dr. Georg Rill, Dean of the faculty of Mechnical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences (HSR) in Regensburg, Dr. med Alexander Leis, same faculty, Prof. Dr. med. Michael Nerlich, head of the department of Trauma Surgery at University Hospital Regensburg, President of HSR Prof. Dr. Josef Eckstein, Prof. Dr. med. Mathias Graw, provisional head of managing board of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Dr. Robert Zobel, head of Accident Research at Volkswagen, Klaus Bortenschlager, Executive Director of Partnership for Dummy Technology and Biomechanics (pdb), Dipl.-Ing. Bernd Lorenz, head of the unit of Passive Safety of Vehicles and Biomechanics at the Federal Highway Research Institute and Dipl.-Ing. Dirk Ockel, Accident Research at Daimler.
Source: HS Regensburg , Fotos: Diana Feuerer
