The Developing Countries Grant Competition (DCGC) aims to incentive innovative and collaborative activities to develop biomechanics in EDC regions. This year winners are:
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Darshan Shah Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai, India Development of an Active Artificial Human Knee Joint |
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Jansen Atier Estrázulas Amazonas State University, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil Anthropometry and laborers health in Amazonian factories |
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Qipeng Song Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China Differences in gait strategies and foul risks between treadmill and overground racewalking |
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Arnab Sarmah Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India Degree of Association between Knee Health with Pelvis Mobility and Plantar Pressure |
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Heiliane de Brito Fontana Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil Ultrasound-based muscle quality in osteoarthritis: accounting for the subcutaneous fat bias |
EDC Student Travel Grant 2023: Report by awardee Fatemeh Jalali
Embarking on a journey requires curiosity and effort, but staying committed to the chosen path demands even more. It means being deeply interested, sacrificing other activities that divert your focus, taking responsibility, and investing significant time and energy. This holds true for academic pursuits as well. When I decided to present my new project at the 29th Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) in Fukuoka, Japan, my biggest motivation was being surrounded by fellow biomechanics enthusiasts. I firmly believed that being part of a passionate and professional community would fuel my passion and help me navigate the highs and lows of my chosen path.
However, my excitement was short-lived when I realized the high cost of a round-trip ticket to attend the event. It seemed impossible to secure funding, and I thought I might have to give up on my dream. But then, a ray of hope appeared – an email notifying me that I had won the EDC Student Travel Grant. Having achieved this unexpected success re-energized me so that I could finally attend the ISB 2023!
Participating in the ISB conference offered more than just being in the company of professionals. Here are some of the benefits that made it even more appealing:
1) The congress truly lived up to its name, International Society of Biomechanics, bringing together students and researchers from all over the world. The interactions and connections I experienced were far beyond what I had encountered in previous conferences.
2) Usually, individuals focus on a specific topic, and opportunities to explore other areas are limited, especially in developing countries with fewer resources. But attending this congress provided a broader perspective, allowing me to engage and collaborate with experts from different fields. This could significantly influence my future career.
3) It was like Google Scholar coming to life! The researchers and scientists whose work I had admired became accessible. If I had questions or needed guidance, I could personally discuss and learn directly from the experts themselves.
4) The conference was not just about science – it was an opportunity to meet students and researchers from around the world. It offered a chance to not only collaborate on research but also immerse myself in different cultures, traditions, and mindsets. I made friends and connections in Poland, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Italy, Australia, Germany, India, South Africa, the United States, Japan, Canada, and more.
5) Lastly, Japan was a smart choice for hosting. It's a safe country with incredibly kind and caring people. I was amazed when a stranger paused her tasks to help me reach my destination for more than ten minutes! It highlighted the remarkable consideration people have for others in Japan.
Certainly, there were challenges like misplacing the invitation letter, a long flight, and difficulties with currency exchange. But when I consider all the advantages and the impact they had on my personal and scientific growth, those challenges faded in comparison.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the International Society of Biomechanics for awarding me the EDC Student Travel Grant, Professor Daniel Hahn, the ISB EDC Officer, and Professor Andrew Cresswell, the ISB Treasurer, for their support and collaboration before and during the conference. Without their assistance, I wouldn't have been able to participate in the ISB 2023 and gain such an extraordinary experience.
Fatemeh Jalali
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