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Roundtable on Biomedical Engineering Materials and Applications (BEMA) The Roundtable on Biomedical Engineering Materials and Applications (BEMA) is focused on identifying issues of significance related to biomaterials and the medical devices constructed from them. Using the BEMA approach, members are empowered through a unique dialogue with the people and the processes driving biomaterials product research, development, and commercialization. Read our Mission Statement. BEMA Membership With a select and balanced membership of experts from government, industry, and academia, BEMA functions as a forum focused on the successful navigation of the technical, regulatory, and manufacturing elements that impact product development. Institutions with strong research and development interests in biomaterials should find out how to join BEMA. BEMA History The history of BEMA dates back to the late 1990’s. It was developed as a joint activity of the NRC, the IOM, and the NAE. With commitments to participate from several federal agencies, a preliminary planning workshop was held in February 2000 to determine BEMA’s focus and function. Since that time, meetings and workshops have addressed a wide variety of topics and included many participants. In addition, BEMA activities have resulted in two publications - Proceedings from the Workshop on Biomedical Materials at the Edge: Challenges in the Convergence of Technologies and Proceedings from the Workshop on Science-Based Assessment: Accelerating Product Development of Combination Medical Devices. BEMA operates under the National Materials Advisory Board (NMAB). BEMA Leadership The BEMA staff and leadership committee are responsible for making executive decisions, developing meeting agendas, maintaining the website, and ensuring BEMA continues to achieve its mission and meet the needs of its members. 2008 BEMA Program March 18-19, 2008 – “Navigating the Valley of Death-Overcoming Barriers to Innovation” – Washington, DC July 17-18, 2008 – “Novel Tissue Attachment Methods” – Woods Hole, MA 2007 BEMA Program May 16-17, 2007 – “Workshop on Device-Centered Infection” –Washington, DC July 12-13, 2007 – “Polymer Therapeutics” – Woods Hole, MA October 3, 2007 – “Novel Imaging Technologies” – Washington, DC
The BEMA Approach
Mission Statement The Roundtable on Biomedical Engineering Materials and Applications (BEMA) is focused on identifying issues of significance related to biomaterials and the medical devices constructed from them. With a select and balanced membership of experts from government, industry, and academia, BEMA functions as a forum focused on the successful navigation of the technical, regulatory, and manufacturing elements that impact product development. Formal meetings are held in closed session to promote candid discussion on issues relevant to biomedical applications of materials. Our members gain insights and information from specialized problem-solving workshops, technical symposia, and invitational "roadmapping" sessions. The end result is a network that empowers BEMA members through a unique dialogue with the people and processes driving biomaterial product research, development, and commercialization. Who should join BEMA? The BEMA Roundtable is interested in developing new partnerships with universities (public and private), companies (small and large), and government agencies that have:
Annual dues vary depending on the category of membership and provide partial funding for roundtable activities. Membership categories and dues are as follows:
For more information on BEMA or a membership application, send your request to: Phone: 202.334.3505 Current BEMA Members Jack E. Lemons (Vice Chair) Government U.S. Food and Drug Administration National Institutes of Health National Science Foundation Private Industry Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. Academic/Non-profit Institutions AdvaMed American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ASM CSUPERB Georgia Institute of Technology University of Minnesota UWEB The National Academies National Academy of Engineering Liaison BEMA Contact Information National Materials Advisory Board Phone: 202.334.3505 BEMA History In the late 1990s, discussions on how to improve the flow of communication between regulators, companies, and researchers in the field of biomedical materials engineering were held jointly by the Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems of the National Research Council (NRC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Out of these discussions emerged the idea of establishing a roundtable to facilitate open dialogue amongst stakeholders in the field. The Roundtable on Biomedical Engineering Materials and Applications (BEMA) was developed as a joint activity of the NRC, the IOM, and the National Academy of Engineering. With commitments to participate from several federal agencies, a preliminary planning workshop was held in February 2000 to discuss the shape that the roundtable should take and the topics that it should discuss. Because of its focus on materials science, BEMA operates under the auspices of the National Materials Advisory Board (NMAB).The NMAB is directed by Gary Fischman, PhD. The units within the National Research Council were reorganized in January 2001 and the Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems was included in the new Division on Engineering and Physical Systems (DEPS). BEMA Participants (2000-2005) To date, BEMA members have included representatives from federal research programs, regulatory agencies, large and small companies, university consortiums, trade organizations, professional organizations, and academia. Participation at BEMA meetings and workshops includes not only members but also invited speakers and guests. Over 200 individuals representing over 100 organizations have thus far participated in BEMA meetings and workshops.
BEMA Staff Teri Thorowgood Contact Information Office: 202.334.3505
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