Biomedical engineers develop technologies and equipment to help save people's lives and improve their health.
What do you get when you combine engineering with biology and medicine? Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to healthcare systems, developing life-enhancing equipment and technologies such as artificial limbs, pacemakers, lasers for eye surgery, heart stents and contact lenses. Ireland is home to 250 medical technology companies, employing 25,000 people. Some 80% of the world's heart stents are produced here, along with 50% of ventilators and 33% of contact lenses. Biomedical engineers can specialise in research, design or development, and may work in labs, hospitals or industry.
Biomedical engineers use their problem-solving skills to…
1. Design, develop and test new medical instruments and devices.2. Research new materials for implants, prosthetics and medical products.3. Develop technologies to help people with disabilities.4. Advise and oversee the best use of medical equipment in hospitals.5. Research health problems such as disease and degeneration.