Title: "Adapting Basic Spectroscopic Research to Commercial Medical Devices: Lessons Learned from EPR Measurements of Molecular Oxygen in Tissues"

In the talk titled “Adapting Basic Spectroscopic Research to Commercial Medical Devices: Lessons Learned from EPR Measurements of Molecular Oxygen in Tissues,” Professors Harold Swartz and Ann Barry Flood will discuss the application of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) in measuring tissue oxygen levels. The presentation will highlight the challenges and successes in developing EPR technology for human use, particularly in oxygen and radiation exposure measurements. The speakers will also explore their unique approach to interdisciplinary collaborations and the transition of scientific advancements into practical tools for broader market applications. This talk promises valuable insights for those at the intersection of academic research and commercial development.

Programme

13:30-13:35 Welcome remark by Dr. Akihiro Kusumi

13:35-14:25 Talk by Dr. Harold Swartz

14:25-15:30 Q&A + Round Table Coffee Discussion

Participants: Dr. Harold Swartz, Dr. Ann Barry Flood, Dr. Ryohei Yoshida, Dr. Lokesh Agrawal, Dr. Angela Ares Pita (OIST Proof of Concept), Sir. David Simpson (Founder & CEO of Watasumi)

Scientific Organizer: Prof. Akihiro Kusumi - Membrane Cooperativity Unit, OIST

Keywords

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Spectroscopy
• Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR)
• Molecular Oxygen Measurement
• Medical Device Development
• Translational Research
• Biomedical Instrumentation
• Human Physiology
• Radiology Technology
• Oncology Diagnostics
• Clinical Innovation
• Oximetry
• Cancer Treatment Technology
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Biomedical Engineering
• Health Policy and Management

Speaker Profiles

Professor Harold Swartz, MD, PhD, M.S.P.H.:

Professor Swartz holds the Alma Hass Milham Distinguished Chair in Clinical Medicine and has directed Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Centers at Dartmouth, the University of Illinois, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. His research focuses on the measurement of oxygen in vivo to improve diagnosis and therapy in various pathophysiological conditions where tissue oxygen is critical. He has been instrumental in developing EPR technology for human subjects, particularly for measuring oxygen levels and radiation exposure. Professor Swartz has authored or co-authored over 550 publications and six books. His honors include the International Zavoisky Award (2005) and several distinctions from international EPR societies.

In addition to his research, Professor Swartz has dedicated much of his academic career to mentoring physician-scholars for academic careers, particularly those pursuing interdisciplinary combinations with medicine, such as engineering, humanities, and social sciences. He has organized and directed MD/PhD programs at the University of Illinois and Dartmouth, focusing on translating basic science into practical and effective tools for broader use.

Professor Ann Barry Flood, PhD:

Ann Barry Flood, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita of Radiology, Health Policy and Clinical Practice, and Community and Family Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH.  As a health services researcher, her research interests included evaluating healthcare teams and healthcare organizations, evaluating factors that impact work performance in professional settings, evaluating the dual roles of patient/shared decision maker, and developing effective tools to improve quality and efficiency in the workplace. Her awards include being named the Provan Distinguished Scholar in Organizational Healthcare Management and the Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow, where she served on the US Senate Finance Committee. She served as editor-in-chief for 9 years of Health Services Research, the primary research journal in her field, and directed the PhD and Postdoctoral Programs in health policy. After retiring from teaching, she served for more than 8 years as Associate Director for Human Factors and Clinical Studies at the EPR Center at Dartmouth, directing efforts to develop and evaluate clinically appropriate EPR instruments for oximetry and dosimetry. She has over 200 publications. 

In 2007, she co-founded Clin-EPR, LLC of Lyme NH, which is the primary manufacturer of clinical EPR instruments for investigational use. She is the President and human factors expert at Clin-EPR. Harold Swartz, M.D., Ph.D., M.S.P.H., is the other co-founder and serves as Chief Scientific Officer. Clin-EPR recently completed a patent application for our novel design of an implantable resonator and coupling system that will enable us to measure oxygen in virtually any solid tumor in humans.