The NextGEM project has received international recognition this summer, with two research teams winning prestigious awards at major scientific conferences for their innovative studies on electromagnetic fields (EMF) and health.
Honourable Mention Award at IEEE IWEM 2025
At the IEEE International Workshop on Electromagnetics Applications and Student Innovation Competition (IWEM 2025), held from 4–6 August in Hong Kong, a NextGEM research team received an Honourable Mention Award for their paper “Computational Human Skin Model for 5G Electromagnetic Field Exposure Studies.”
The NextGEM team of Ruben Otin, Eduardo Soudah (CIMNE), Gaetano Chirico, Fulvio Schettino (University of Cassino and Southern Lazio), and Noa Betzalel (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) received an Honourable Mention Award for their paper “Computational Human Skin Model for 5G Electromagnetic Field Exposure Studies.”
Abstract of the Awarded Work
This study examines human exposure to electromagnetic (EM) fields in the 5G Frequency Range 1 (FR1: 410 MHz – 7125 MHz) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2: 24.25 GHz – 52.6 GHz). Due to the strong attenuation of EM fields within the body at FR2, the focus is on the skin, where most energy is absorbed. For comparison, FR1 is also analysed. A multi-layer skin model is exposed to EM fields at 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz to evaluate the electric field distribution and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) across the different skin layers. Simulations were performed using the finite element method in the frequency domain implemented in the open-source software ERMES 20.0 and cross-verified with a commercial software tool. The results of the analysis will be used in experiments inside the EU project NextGEM to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of 5G-related EM exposure and its potential implications for human health.
Alexandre Legros Award at BioEM 2025
Earlier in the summer, at the BioElectromagnetics Conference 2025 (BioEM 2025), held from 22–27 June in Rennes, France, another NextGEM team was awarded the Alexandre Legros Award for their study “Umbrella Review of RF-EMF Exposure from Far-Field Sources and Cancer in Humans.”
The team consisted of Joshua Ziegler, Daniel Wollschläger (IMBEI), Dan Baaken (BFS), Maarten Velghe, Kelly Rijs (RIVM), Nikolaos Petroulakis, Alexandros Kornilakis (FORTH), Roya Dolatkhah, and Isabelle Deltour (IARC).
Abstract of the Awarded Work
Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF; 100 kHz–300 GHz) is widespread, and cancer remains a key concern identified by the World Health Organization. This umbrella review synthesises evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of human observational studies on far-field RF-EMF exposure and cancer published up to May 2024. Eight systematic reviews were identified: five reported limited evidence of cancer risk, two suggested increased risks, and one was inconclusive. However, all reviews demonstrated substantial risk of bias, methodological shortcomings, and incomplete reporting, which limited the reliability of their conclusions. The findings highlight the need for more rigorous methodologies, standardised protocols, and higher-quality data to strengthen the evidence base on the relationship between RF-EMF exposure and cancer.
More information on the award can be found on the BioEM 2025 website.
Recognition for NextGEM’s Scientific Excellence
These two prizes underscore the scientific impact and innovation of the NextGEM consortium in advancing the state of knowledge on EMF exposure and health. By combining rigorous epidemiological evidence with advanced computational modeling, NextGEM continues to strengthen the evidence base supporting safe and trustworthy 5G and future networks. wins prizes for sers
