On July 31, 2024, the IEEE NM-AIST Student Branch hosted a significant public lecture on “Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Emitted by Wireless Communication Devices: From 1G to 5G” at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). This enlightening event featured Professor Vikass Monebhurru from the University of Paris-Saclay, France, as the distinguished speaker.

Opening Remarks

The event commenced with a warm welcome and opening speech by Mr. Martine Lyimo, the Chairperson of the IEEE NM-AIST Student Branch. Mr. Lyimo provided an insightful overview of the Student Branch, highlighting its establishment and core objectives. He introduced the leadership team, which includes Vice Chair Mr. Loyani Loyani, Secretary Mr. Matimbila, Treasurer Ms. Catherine, and Webmaster Mr. Godbless Minja. The student branch is under the supervision of Professor Shubi Kaijage, a senior IEEE member and counsellor of the IEEE NM-AIST Student Branch, with Dr. Bonny Mgawe and Dr. Lyakurwa serving as student branch advisors.

Mr. Lyimo emphasized the branch’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community for students interested in electrical engineering, electronics, computer science, and related fields. He articulated the branch’s role in providing a platform for growth, learning, and professional development, inviting more students to join and take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered through the IEEE Student Branch.

Following Mr. Lyimo’s introduction, Dr. Mussa Ally, the Dean of the School of Computational and Communication Science and Engineering (CoCSE) delivered an inspiring address. Dr. Mussa emphasized the commitment of the School of CoCSE and NM-AIST management to support the IEEE NM-AIST Student Branch. He encouraged students interested in electrical engineering, electronics, computer science, and related fields to join the IEEE NM-AIST Student Branch and benefit from the myriad opportunities available through IEEE membership. The Dean stressed the importance of having a dynamic IEEE Student Branch at NM-AIST, encouraging students to engage actively with the branch’s activities to enhance their academic and professional trajectories.

Professor Vikass Monebhurru’s Lecture

The highlight of the event was the lecture by Professor Vikass Monebhurru, which attracted both physical and online participants from NM-AIST and other institutions such as the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), Arusha Technical College (ATC), and Mwenge Catholic University.

Professor Monebhurru delivered a comprehensive talk aimed at reviewing the current state of the art regarding human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by wireless communication devices and networks, spanning from the first-generation (1G) to the fifth-generation (5G) technologies. He discussed the rationale behind guidelines for limiting human exposure to EMFs and the varying limits adopted by different countries worldwide.

The lecture also covered international standardization activities—both experimental and computational—focused on assessing the compliance of wireless communication devices with established safety guidelines. Professor Monebhurru’s presentation provided valuable insights into the scientific and regulatory frameworks governing EMF exposure, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and innovation in this critical field.

Engaging Discussion

Following the lecture, there was an engaging discussion session where both physical and online participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives. Professor Vikass Monebhurru responded thoughtfully to a variety of questions, fostering an interactive and dynamic exchange of ideas. Participants were keen to explore topics such as the long-term effects of EMF exposure, the role of technology in mitigating potential risks, and the future of wireless communication innovations.