What drives our IMPACT Fellows? What groundbreaking research are they pursuing, and what personal motivations fuel their journeys? Through this bi-weekly interview series, we look into the minds of our fellows to uncover not just the science but the stories behind their work. Explore their experiences in the IMPACT programme and the unique perspectives they bring to their fields. This week we had the chance to interview Eric Gaba.
Can you briefly describe your research project and its potential impact on society or the economy?
My research focuses on developing pine prosthetic sockets using eco-friendly materials, particularly pineapple leaf fibre and plant-based resins. Current carbon fibre composites are unsustainable, and over-engineered, leading to high costs and stiffness, which makes prosthesis fabrication expensive, especially for amputees in lower-middle-income countries. I propose a sustainable solution: using pineapple leaf fibre (PINE), which is cost-effective, lightweight, abundant, and biodegradable, to create prosthetic sockets with high specific strength for amputees.
Coming from Ghana, what unique perspective do you bring to your field of study at VUB?
A significant challenge in the field of prosthesis rehabilitation in lower-middle-income countries such as Ghana is the scarcity of materials and devices that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. Drawing from hands-on experience with limited resources, I contribute creativity and innovation to VUB by developing a technique that utilizes pineapple leaf fibre—an agricultural byproduct—for the creation of prosthetic sockets.
What’s been the most surprising or valuable aspect of the IMPACT programme for you so far?
Aside from the integration into an internationally renowned research group at VUB, I find the vertical in-depth impact development and entrepreneurship training component very valuable because it fits one of my personal career expectations. That is, to be exposed to how an idea can be transferred from the laboratory environment into a marketable product that can benefit society.
If you could instantly become an expert in another field of study, which would you choose and why?
AI in Rehabilitation Technology
This field provides transformative opportunities to enhance patient outcomes, streamline rehabilitation, and advance rehabilitation research. For instance, AI-enabled robotic systems support patients in physical rehabilitation, particularly those recovering from limb amputations, strokes, spinal injuries, or joint replacements. These robots can perform precise movements and adjust force based on real-time data, facilitating essential repetitive exercises. AI-enhanced prosthetics boost patient mobility, adapt to different terrains, and ensure comfort, improving user experiences.
Last but not least: what’s your favorite invention of all time?
The Printing Press. The printing press has made the documentation and sharing of knowledge easier from one generation to the next. Through the printing press, the ideas and writings of individuals have been preserved for future generations. Furthermore, the printing press has enabled generations to understand ideas that failed in previous generations and has guided the new generation in making improvements.