October 21, 2024

Dear AIMBE Fellows,

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out today to provide an important update on a matter that stands to impact the future of biomedical and biological engineering research—the proposed reorganization of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

As many of you are aware, Congress has suggested a significant structural reorganization of NIH, a move purported to focus on increasing efficiency and improving public health outcomes. While this restructuring is still in the early stages, there are potential changes that could profoundly affect how the biomedical research community, including the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), operates within NIH’s framework.

What is AIMBE Doing?

AIMBE is closely monitoring the situation and actively engaging with NIH leadership to ensure that the voices of our Fellows—and the broader medical and biological engineering communities—are heard throughout this process. Here are some of the steps we are taking:

  1. Advocacy and Representation
    AIMBE is representing the interests of our community in conversations with NIH officials and key stakeholders. We have submitted formal comments and are participating in discussions that emphasize the critical role of NIBIB within NIH’s mission.
  2. Collaborating with Key Partners
    We are collaborating with peer organizations to align our advocacy efforts and ensure a unified response to the proposed reorganization. AIMBE is also working with Congressional representatives to raise awareness of how these changes could impact funding and research priorities for the biomedical engineering community.
  3. Engaging Our Fellows
    We recently held sessions at our Academic Council meetings, and we will continue to host discussions that allow our Fellows to contribute their perspectives on the NIH reorganization. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these changes, and we will be soliciting further input from you through upcoming surveys and forums.
  4. Shaping the Conversation
    AIMBE is committed to ensuring that the critical contributions of biomedical and biological engineers are well understood and prioritized in any new NIH framework. Our focus is on protecting and advancing the important work supported by NIBIB, as well as other NIH institutes that impact our field.

How You Can Get Involved

We encourage our Fellows to stay informed about these developments and to participate in AIMBE’s ongoing advocacy efforts. Your voice and expertise are vital as we engage with NIH and policymakers. Please feel free to share your thoughts with your representatives, join our discussions, and contribute to our response.

As always, AIMBE remains committed to advancing biomedical and biological engineering and ensuring that our community continues to thrive in a rapidly evolving research landscape.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the future of medical and biological engineering at NIH.

Sincerely,

Lola

—
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D.
AIMBE President

Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Dean of Engineering
University of Illinois Chicago

American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)
1400 I Street NW, Suite 235, Washington, DC 20005

May 31, 2024

Dear AIMBE Fellows and Colleagues,

It is with great enthusiasm and appreciation that I write to you today as the newly elected President of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). As I step into this role, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities ahead and a deep sense of gratitude for the trust and confidence you have placed in me to lead our esteemed organization.

First and foremost, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Joyce Wong for her outstanding leadership and dedication over the past two years. Under her guidance, AIMBE has made significant strides in advancing our mission and amplifying our impact within the medical and biological engineering community. Dr. Wong’s vision and diligent efforts have set the stage for continued greatness, and I am honored to build upon her legacy as we chart the course for the future of AIMBE.

As we embark on this new chapter together, I am excited to share some of the key activities that I will be focusing on during my time as President. These include:

Supporting AIMBE’s New Strategic Plan: AIMBE’s new strategic plan outlines ambitious goals and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration among Fellows, and excellence in the medical and biological engineering field. I am committed to championing the implementation of this plan and ensuring that AIMBE remains at the forefront of driving positive change in our field.

Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion Efforts: Diversity and inclusion are not only core values of AIMBE but also essential drivers of innovation and progress in medical and biological engineering. I am passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and the broader community, and I look forward to working closely with our CURM and Diversity and Inclusion Committees to drive meaningful action and impact.

Driving Women’s Health Research and Advocacy: Women’s health is an area of critical importance that deserves our unwavering attention and support. I am dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote women’s health research, innovation, and access to care, and I am committed to ensuring that AIMBE plays a leading role in this important work.

Providing Resources for Fellows: Our Fellows are the heart and soul of AIMBE, and it is essential that we provide them with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. I will work tirelessly to enhance the value and benefits of AIMBE Fellowship by strengthening our connections with Fellows and creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development. This includes bolstering industry Fellow engagement and prioritizing efforts to enhance AIMBE’s international reach and programming geared towards international AIMBE Fellows.

In the coming months, I look forward to engaging with each of you, listening to your ideas and feedback, and working together to achieve our shared goals and aspirations. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to make a positive difference in the world through the power of biomedical engineering.

Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication to AIMBE. I am deeply honored to serve as your President, and I am excited about the journey ahead.

Warm regards,

Lola

—
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D.
AIMBE President

Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Dean of Engineering
University of Illinois Chicago

American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)
1400 I Street NW, Suite 235, Washington, DC 20005

About Dr. Eniola-Adefeso

“Now more than ever, leaders in medical and biological engineering research must have a voice at the policy table to ensure the continued strength and competitiveness of our biomedical enterprise globally.” – Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Ph.D.

Dr. Lola Eniola-Adefeso is the Dean of College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago. She received a doctoral degree (2004) in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. She was a postdoctoral associate in Pediatrics/Leukocyte Biology at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Eniola-Adefeso joined the University of Michigan in 2006 and is currently the Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Education for Michigan Engineering. Her pioneering research at the interface of cellular biomechanics, biomolecular surface, and immunology has contributed significantly to advancing immunoengineering and developing novel polymeric particle therapies for acute inflammatory diseases and has received several awards and honors for her groundbreaking work in the field, including the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Mid-Career Award for Scholarship and Practice of Biomedical Engineering and the CMBE Chris Jacob Excellence in Leadership Award. She is a Fellow of AAAS, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Institute of Chemical Engineering (AIChE), the Controlled Release Society (CRS), BMES, and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. She is the current president of American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).

To learn more about Dr. Eniola-Adefeso’s work featured in the news, click here.