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A multidisciplinary team from Queen Mary University of London's Centre for Electronics has co-authored a groundbreaking study that could transform how we prevent falls among older adults. The paper, "Reimagining falls prevention with insights from systems mapping on the use of millimetre-wave radar for remote health monitoring," published in Scientific Reports (Nature, 2025), explores how smart radar sensors can move fall prevention from reactive care to proactive monitoring.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence in older adults worldwide. Current systems rely heavily on self-reporting, wearable devices, or emergency responses after a fall has already occurred. This new research takes a different approach; combining millimetre-wave radar sensing with systems mapping to identify where technology can make the greatest impact in reducing fall risks before they happen.

The study brings together expertise from engineering, health sciences, and data modelling, with major contributions from Dr Elif Dogu, Professor Akram Alomainy, and Dr Khalid Z. Rajab of Queen Mary's Centre for Electronics. Dr Dogu led the development of the systems-mapping framework that reveals how health, environment, and mobility factors interact. Professor Alomainy and Dr Rajab contributed their world-leading expertise in millimetre-wave radar technology, demonstrating how unobtrusive, contact-free sensors could continuously monitor mobility and detect early signs of deterioration; all without requiring the person to wear a device or change their daily routine.

This fusion of engineering innovation and health systems research marks a significant step toward smarter, more human-centred healthcare. Scientifically, it advances the use of radar for remote physiological monitoring, offering new insights into how we can track subtle changes in movement and behaviour. Societally, it opens the door to safer, more independent living for older adults and could help reduce the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

Professor Alomainy commented that the work "shows how cutting-edge wireless technologies can be designed around people, not just data; creating intelligent environments that support wellbeing and dignity as we age."

This research embodies the spirit of interdisciplinary innovation that defines Queen Mary: engineering solutions built with empathy and designed to make a real difference in people's lives.

Read the paper here: www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-14416-y