Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting elected president of the IEEE EMBS

Prof. Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting from University of Freiburg has been elected President of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS). With this appointment, one of the world’s leading experts in neurorehabilitation and medical technology will lead the largest professional organization dedicated to biomedical engineering.

A Global Leadership Role for Interdisciplinary Innovation
The IEEE EMBS brings together around 17,000 members across 97 countries. Serving as the critical intersection between engineering, medicine, and biology, the society drives innovations that impact millions of lives—ranging from the design of pacemakers and MRI software to advancements in robotics and bioinformatics.

Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting, Chair in Neuroscience and member of the BrainLinks-BrainTools research center at the University of Freiburg, brings an extensive international track record to this position. Following academic appointments at the University of Auckland (New Zealand) and Aalborg University (Denmark), as well as the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Dortmund, she was appointed as full professor at the University of Freiburg in 2021. Her research focuses on neurorehabilitation technology for the restoration and replacement of lost motor function and the neural control of movement.

A Vision of Human-Centered Innovation
In her new role as President, Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting is championing a vision that places people at the heart of technology.

For her presidency, she has outlined three primary strategic pillars:

1. Accelerating Translation: Through innovation challenges, advisory committees, and global biodesign workshops, the goal is to drive research more rapidly into clinical practice and societal benefit.
2. Advancing Education: By unifying digital platforms and expanding multilingual resources, the society aims to increase public awareness and accessibility of the field’s impact on health.
3. Strengthening Collaboration: Streamlining technical activities and supporting regional chapters will create inclusive forums that connect diverse disciplines and regions.

From Research to Real-World Impact
Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting is a recognized thought leader in her field. Her previous experience as Vice President for Membership and Student Activities of the EMBS, as well as her roles in several international journals, provides a strong foundation for her presidency. The election of Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting underscores the prominence of the University of Freiburg and the BrainLinks-BrainTools research center as international hubs for cutting-edge research in neuroscience and neurotechnology.