Event

Spotlight on Injury Mechanisms & SAFER HBM

Welcome to the autumn’s first SAFER Research Day! Together, we will explore the latest insights into injury mechanisms and the continued development of the SAFER Human Body Model (HBM). Through inspiring presentations, open dialogue, and knowledge sharing, we aim to strengthen collaboration across disciplines. This session highlights projects focused on vulnerable road users, long-term impairments, and virtual testing methods – and invites you to co-create SAFER’s future research directions. 

Welcome for a half-day of science, networking, and shared purpose!

DRAFT AGENDA

08:30 Networking and morning coffee

08:45 Welcome and introduction by SAFER’s Director Magnus Granström

08:55 Keynote on the topic by Rikard Fredriksson, the Swedish Transport Administration

09:20 Long-term effects of e-scooter-related head injuries – what are we seeing in healthcare?, Ragnar Ang, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital

09:45 Leg stretcher

09:55 SAFER’s Working Group for Long-term impairment, Sara Kallin & Ines Heinig

The group works to increase knowledge and collaboration on long-term impairments after road traffic injuries. A brief update will be shared, followed by a dialogue on how SAFER can better address the issue and identify joint actions to improve data, methods, and research supporting prevention and rehabilitation.

10:10 Surrogate measures of Safety for single bicycle crashes, Oksana Yastremska-Kravchenko, Lund University

10:25 Networking break

10:50 When use virtual and when use physical testing, Bengt Pipkorn, Volvo Cars (see abstracts below)

11:10 Motorcycle rider model for prediction of injury risk & Advanced Tool for the Development and Evaluation of Protection Systems for Bicyclists (HBM Shoulder), Jolyon Carroll, Autoliv

11:30 Advancing Neck Injury Prediction in Car Crashes using the SAFER HBM , Jonas Östh, Volvo Cars

11:45 Enhancing Female and Male SAFER HBM Torso Injury Prediction (I-HBM V), Karl-Johan Larsson, Autoliv

12:00 Discussion and summary of research needs to be addressed through the SAFER platform within this field

12:15 Networking lunch

ABSTRACTS

When Use Virtual and When Use Physical Testing
The use of virtual simulations has increased significantly in the industry with the ambition to speed up the development process, evaluate and improve the robustness of products beyond what is feasible with physical testing and to reduce expensive physical testing. However, physical testing offers irreplaceable insights into real-world behaviour, validation and calibration of mathematical models and regulatory compliance. Virtual simulations enable rapid iteration, cost effective evaluation of design alternatives and complex systems can be evaluated under varied conditions. Best practice is to combine both. Start with simulation to guide the design. Use physical testing to validate and refine the model. Iterate between the two for best cost-effective solution.

Virtual testing is the use of simulations to evaluate the performance, safety, or behaviour of a product or system without conducting physical experiments. Within the current framework of automotive vehicle safety Virtual Testing should be interpreted as Virtual Testing-based vehicle safety assessment. Consumer information organisations such as Euro NCAP, C-NCAP and CAERI have started to introduce virtual testing in the vehicle rating programmes with the main aim to evaluate the robustness of restraint systems. In the assessment, in addition to virtual models of the crash test dummies virtual human body models are included. There are numerous challenges with introducing Virtual Testing. One of the challenges with is qualification requirements for the test tools such as crash test dummies and human body models. Euro NCAP has defined  biofidelity requirements for HBMs such as SAFER HBM have to fulfill to be a certified tool. Other challenges that have to be addressed are qualification of the boundary condition models such as the vehicle interior models and a trustworthy Virtual Testing process.

ABOUT THE PROJECTS

Surrogate measures of Safety for single bicycle crashes 
Single bicycle crashes account for the majority of serious cyclist injuries in Sweden but have long been overlooked. This project aims to improve proactive safety work by extending video-based analysis using surrogate measures of safety (SMoS). At the halfway point, the team is developing a cyclist tracking algorithm that integrates computer vision and dynamic modelling to capture subtle movements related to stability. The method enables identification of infrastructure-related risks, supporting safer design and maintenance of cycling environments.

Motorcycle Rider Model for Injury Prediction
This project delivers an updated version of the SAFER Human Body Model (HBM), validated for predicting motorcycle rider kinematics and injury risk in common crash scenarios. A key result is the inclusion of a tool to transform the model into realistic riding postures. These developments enable improved understanding of injury mechanisms for powered two- and three-wheeler users, supporting the design of future protective systems and contributing to enhanced safety for one of the most vulnerable road user groups worldwide.

Advanced Tool for the Development and Evaluation of Protection Systems for Bicyclists 
This project advances methods for developing and evaluating cyclist protection, with a focus on shoulder impacts. The SAFER Human Body Model is being enhanced with a biofidelic and morphable shoulder, allowing injury risk assessment for adults of varying sex, size, and age (12+). Midway through the project, key progress includes model scalability and preparation for validation against crash test data. The results support safer cycling by enabling the design of effective protective systems based on realistic human response.

Advancing Neck Injury Prediction in Car Crashes using the SAFER HBM  
This project enhances neck injury prediction in car crashes by developing an advanced cervical spine model for the SAFER Human Body Model (HBM). It addresses a wide range of neck injuries, including whiplash, and considers future crash scenarios involving varied occupant positions due to increasing vehicle automation. The improved model supports the design of advanced, equitable restraint systems and vehicle safety technologies, ultimately contributing to safer mobility for a diverse population of road users.

Enhancing Female and Male SAFER HBM Torso Injury Prediction (I-HBM V) 
To address the wider range of sitting postures and activities expected in future vehicles, occupant protection systems must advance. This project aims to improve the SAFER Human Body Model (HBM) for better prediction of torso injuries in crashes, for both women and men. The team – Autoliv, Chalmers and Volvo Cars – is enhancing chest injury prediction (including rib, sternum and cartilage fractures), submarining assessment, and pelvis injury risk. Individual differences such as age, sex, and body size are also considered. By improving these virtual testing tools, the project contributes to safer vehicles and reduced risk of serious injury in future traffic.

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SAFER Research Days aim to share insights, engage in meaningful discussions, present project results, identify next steps, strengthen networks, and gain new inspiration through thematic sessions, deep dives, guest speakers, and working group presentations.

Our Research Days are designed to achieve several important objectives:

• Disseminate knowledge: Share the valuable insights and discoveries generated from our diverse project portfolio.
• Engage in meaningful discussions: Participate in panel dialogues and workshops to delve into our partners’ findings, plan future steps, and emphasize practical applications in society as well as potential new projects.
• Identify next steps for projects: Explore potential next steps, paving the way for innovative proposals that drive progress and impact.
• Strengthen collaborative networks: Connect with peers, partners, and experts to exchange ideas and build stronger relationships for future cooperation.

In addition to these goals, our Research Days will feature:

• Thematic focus: Participate in sessions that focus on specific themes relevant to our research community.
• Deep dives and workshops: Engage in detailed explorations of specific topics to gain deeper understanding and insights.
• Guest speakers: Gain inspiration and knowledge from guest speakers who are leaders in their respective fields.
• Working Group presentations: Hear from various working groups about their ongoing projects and achievements.
• New inspiration: Discover new ideas and inspiration to drive your own research and projects forward.

We look forward to a productive and inspiring Research Day event together with you!

These mini-conferences are for SAFER partners only!