Desoyer & Baumgartner Lab

Our research areas include:

• Biomedical sensors and biosignal analysis
• Electrophysiology and bioelectricity, especially in cardiac and cancer applications
• Mathematical modeling and simulation of biological systems
• AI-driven signal and image processing
• Development, safety, and regulation of medical devices

Leadership

Prof. Christian Baumgartner, PhD, Head of IHCE at Graz University of Technology holds degrees in electrical engineering and biomedical engineering, and brings over 25 years of experience in research, academia, and medical device development. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, holds patents, and serves on multiple editorial boards in biomedical engineering, physiology, and informatics.

Dipl.-Ing. Celine Desoyer, BSc is researching the improvement of hearing through new innovations in neurostimulation, sensor technology and AI-based data analysis. 

Core Research Themes

• Cancer Electrophysiology & Digital Cell Twins
  We develop in-silico models to study ion channel activity and membrane potentials in cancer cells, focusing on tumor development and progression. Our mathematical simulations, including Hidden Markov Models, provide a systems-level understanding of cancer electrophysiology and support targeted therapeutic strategies.

• Biomedical Sensor Systems & Point-of-Care Devices
  We design and prototype sensors using electrical, optical, chemical, acoustic, and mechanical principles for diagnostic and therapeutic use. Research includes system control, testing, and validation under regulatory standards.

• Signal Processing & AI in Medicine
  We apply machine learning and AI to interpret complex biosignals and medical images, enhancing diagnostics, modeling, and patient-specific analysis.

• Medical Device Prototyping & Regulatory Engineering
  We develop and validate diagnostic and therapeutic devices, ensuring safety, functionality, and compliance with European medical device regulations for preclinical and clinical testing.

Selected Projects

• Neurostimulation and AI-driven Cochlear Implant Programming (in collaboration with MED-EL)
  Developing automated methods for stapedius reflex detection using biosignals and AI to improve cochlear implant fitting, aiming to enhance outcomes for users of all ages.

• Aerosol Headset (funded by FFG, in collaboration with MED-EL)
  Engineering a wearable nebulizer for the efficient delivery of therapeutic aerosols in respiratory conditions.

• Digital Cell Twin in Lung Cancer (funded by Austrian Cancer Aid)
  Building and refining the world’s first ion channel model of an A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell, integrating experimental patch-clamp data to simulate tumor-related bioelectric processes in silico.