MAPCON 2026 inauguration highlights emerging biomedical antenna research
Srinagar: The IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S) MGA Workshop – Advanced School of Antennas (ASA) 2026 that focused on “Antennas in Biomedical and Biotelemetry Devices,” concluded on Wednesday at the University of Kashmir.
The three-day event was organized collaboratively by the IEEE AP-S/CRFID Delhi Chapter, IEEE AP-S/MTT-S Kolkata Chapter, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, and the University of Kashmir. The workshop was convened by Dr. Amit Kumar from NIT Srinagar and Dr. Javaid Ahmad Sheikh from the University of Kashmir. The inaugural session featured prominent figures, including the Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, and other academic leaders. A keynote address by Prof. Omar M. Ramahi from the University of Waterloo emphasized the critical role of antenna technology in healthcare, particularly in areas such as wearable health-monitoring systems and implantable medical devices. He encouraged young researchers to explore interdisciplinary approaches that merge communication engineering, electronics, and healthcare sciences. The second day of the workshop included advanced technical sessions and discussions at NIT Srinagar, attended by various academic leaders. Prof. Kanaujia highlighted the significance of biomedical antenna technology in enhancing future healthcare systems, while Dean R&C, Prof. RoohieNaaz Mir, stressed the importance of research addressing real-world challenges. NIT’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, acknowledged the organizers’ efforts and the need for a vibrant research ecosystem. Prof. Ramahi delivered a series of technical lectures, including a notable presentation on low-frequency electromagnetic energy in mammography, which garnered significant interest. Additionally, Dr. Priyansha Kaurav from IIT Roorkee presented on terahertz-frequency antennas, underscoring their relevance in non-invasive diagnostics and future medical communication systems. Other sessions covered emerging trends in antenna design and biomedical telemetry. The workshop concluded with a valedictory function at the University of Kashmir, where gratitude was expressed to key contributors, including IEEE Fellow Prof. Debatosh Guha and Prof. Mahesh Abegaonkar from IIT Delhi. Dr. Amit Kumar thanked all participants and expressed hope for future academic events in Srinagar.
