Biomedical Engineering

Prof. Dr. Iwan SCHIE

E-mail: Iwan.Schie@eah-jena.de

Phone: +49 3641 205 637  +49 3641 205 601

https://ag-schie.org/External link

Prof. Dr. Iwan Schie is a distinguished expert in biomedical engineering at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences (EAH) Jena, where he serves as a professor in the Department of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology and heads the research group "Biophotonic Instrumentation". His academic journey includes a degree in medical engineering from the Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of California, Davis. Before joining EAH Jena, he founded and continuous to lead the research group "Multimodal Instrumentation" at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, which develops advanced optical systems for biomedical diagnostics and clinical analytics. Currently, he holds a specialized professorship in Biophotonics, emphasizing the integration of light-based technologies in medical diagnostics.  His research interests encompass multimodal optical instrumentation, biophotonic systems for clinical application, optical device development, and imaging and spectral data analysis. 

Research Field and Interests

Prof. Schie's research focuses on the development of multimodal optical instrumentation for biomedical diagnostics and clinical translation. His work bridges engineering, photonics, and medicine to create new optical tools that provide deeper insight into tissue structure and function in a medical context. By combining techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, nonlinear imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) he aims to extract complementary molecular, structural, and functional information from biological tissues. 

A key emphasis of his research is the integration of advanced optical techniques into compact, clinically usable systems, including endoscopic and catheter-based instruments that combine OCT, Raman spectroscopy, and autofluorescence imaging for applications in oncology and cardiology. These systems enable in vivo tissue characterization and real-time diagnostic feedback, supporting use cases such as tumor margin detection during surgery and assessment of cardiac tissue. The probes employ miniaturized optics and high-speed piezo-tube scanners to achieve high-resolution imaging within confined anatomical spaces. Complementary AI-based spectral and image analysis enables automated tissue classification, accelerating clinical translation toward improved diagnostic precision and patient outcomes. His research interests can be summarized by these concepts:

• Multimodal optical instrumentation, including Raman spectroscopy, nonlinear microscopy, OCT, and FLIM
• Biophotonic applications for cell and tissue characterization
• Device development and clinical translation of optical diagnostic tools
• Imaging and spectral data analysis, including AI-based interpretation

Research Methods

Prof. Schie employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines optical imaging, spectroscopy, and AI to develop innovative diagnostic tools. His methodologies include the design and use of fiber-optic and endoscopic probes for in vivo tissue analysis, the integration of multimodal optical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and OCT, and the development of miniaturized scanning systems using piezo-tube technology. These approaches, complemented by AI-based spectral and image analysis, enable non-invasive, accurate, and efficient tissue characterization and form the foundation for clinically translatable optical diagnostics.

Teaching

In his teaching, Prof. Schie emphasizes the practical application of biomedical engineering principles. He provides students with hands-on experience in clinical analytics and biophotonics, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. By involving students in ongoing research projects and fostering collaborations with institutions like the Leibniz-IPHT, he ensures that his teaching is grounded in current scientific advancements.  He currently teaches the lectures as stated below:

• Biomedical Engineering I
• Biomedical Engineering II
• Clinical Practice
• Biophotonics

Through these lectures he shares his knowledge of his specialized background and leads his students to get improved scientifically and academically.

Current Research Projects

Prof. Schie is leading several innovative research projects:

• OptoCarDi: This project focuses on developing a multimodal optical catheter for diagnosing myocarditis, aiming to reduce the need for invasive biopsies by providing detailed tissue analysis through optical methods. (1.000.000,00 €, Coordinator, Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, P2022-07-003)
• OpenLabKI: An initiative to create a cross-domain framework for analyzing OCT image data using AI, applicable in both medical diagnostics and industrial quality assurance.  (799 558 €, Coordinator, BMFTR, 16DKWN111)
• InfectoXplore: This research aims to develop a spectroscopic platform for rapid, on-chip characterization of blood infections, enhancing the speed and accuracy of pathogen detection. ( 330.000,00 €, Partner, BMFTR, 13GW0459E)
• INTACT: A collaborative project to design a miniaturized, sensor-equipped pump system for premature infants with intestinal disorders, improving therapeutic outcomes through continuous chyme transfer and analysis.  (750.000,00 €, Coordinator, Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung-Wildcard, P2022-03-038)
• EasyPROBE: It centers the distinction between healthy tissues and tumor in the process of examinations through multimodal, endoscopic, fiber optic probes for clinical imaging diagnostics. The project aims to develop and research an innovative, multimodal endoscopic probe which, in addition to spatially resolved imaging in the visible light range, offers the possibility of obtaining depth-resolved structural information using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and metabolic information using two-photon excitation microscopy. (622 500 €, Coordinator, BMFTR, 13FH578KX1)
• HypoVismo - ZAKI@EAH: The aim of the project is to develop a modular HSI system that can be used both in the perioperative phase and endoscopically. The integration of suitable AI models should enable the visualization of molecular tissue signatures using hyperspectral imaging. The project aims to transfer the technology into clinical research, with initial tests planned in cooperation with Jena University Hospital.  (237 700 €, Partner, Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung)
• OpenLab for OCT: Establishment of an open lab for innovations ranging from optical technology to biomedicine. (106,000 €, Partner, EFRE,  2021 FGI 0021)
• TOOLS: Tailored Optics for Life Sciences Engineering is an interdisciplinary research initiative uniting experts in optics, photonics, biomedical engineering, and clinical research. The project conducts fundamental research on optical and biophotonic technologies to improve the understanding of biomedical processes in clinical settings. By developing advanced optical components and diagnostic methods, TOOLS strengthens EAH Jena’s expertise in biophotonics and bridges the gap between basic research and clinical application. (6 000 000€, Partner, DFG, 528591139 – FIP 31/1)
• SpectroEye: An innovative quality control technique to introduce cell-based therapies into clinical routine: Raman spectroscopy for single-cell analysis of genetically modified ocular cells to treat age-related macular degeneration (370 000 €, Partner, Gelbert Foundation)

These projects exemplify Prof. Schie's commitment to advancing medical diagnostics through interdisciplinary research and technological innovation