Latest News
Go ahead for Eye and Ear Hospital
May 20 2013
In this month’s State budget, the Victorian government committed funds to the redevelopment of the Eye and Ear Hospital which will include improvements for patients and upgrades to research facilities, as well as space for the Institute’s hearing and vision research teams.
more…
The 2013 Bionics Institute Annual Lecture
April 12 2013
This week the Institute hosted its annual lecture and was delighted to have Dr Chris Roberts, CEO of Cochlear Ltd, as the guest speaker. Dr Roberts spoke about the role of technology as the turbocharger of growth and change, and how innovation creates a competititve advantage in the marketplace. The event attracted over 130 people from the general public, industry, government and academia.
Australia's bionic eye showcased in Scotland
March 20 2013
The Bionics Institute is providing images and video of the development of Australia's first prototype bionic eye to the Glasgow Science Centre for their forthcoming Body Works exhibition. This exhibition, opening on March 28, aims to raise awareness of the science that underpins human health and well-being in the 21st century.
Herald Sun features medical bionics research
March 8 2013
In early March the Herald Sun published a four-part series on medical research in Victoria. The series focused on the value of medical research to the State and the impact it has on employment, exports and high-tech industry. The Bionics Institute featured strongly with a substantial article on March 5 called "Building a new body" which discussed our work on the bionic eye and ear, and ongoing work in neurobionics.
Alleviating postural problems in Parkinson's disease
11 January 2013
A recent 'Parkinson's Disease Award' from the Brain Foundation will support research into alleviating the postural problems associated with this disease using deep brain stimulation. This project by Honorary Clinical Research Fellow Dr Wes Thevathasan and Institute engineer Thushara Perera is part of our ongoing neurobionics research program;
Professor Colette McKay accepted the award on their behalf (video).
Senator visits the Institute
12 December 2012
Yesterday we were delighted to host a visit from Senator Sue Boyce, an Upper House member for Queensland. Senator Boyce met Institute researcher Dr Hamish Innes-Brown (pictured with Senator Boyce) at the annual ‘Science meets Parliament’ forum in September. A long-time disability advocate, Senator Boyce was particularly interested in our neurobionics research program and the possibilities it holds for chronic pain relief and other applications.
A year at the Bionics Institute
28 November 2012
The 2011-12 annual report highlighting the research and accomplishments of our scientists and engineers is now available online.
Link to annual report
A cure in sight
19 November 2012
On November 18, Channel 7's Sunday Night program featured a follow up story with Ms Dianne Ashworth, the first recipient of Australia's prototype bionic eye device.
Link to video
Inspiring the next generation of scientists
9 October 2012
Over the next 12 months, two Bionics Institute researchers will work with a secondary school science teacher to bring real-world science to the classroom.
PRESS RELEASE: Prototype bionic eye a reality
30 August 2012 In a major development, Bionic Vision Australia researchers have successfully performed the first implantation of an early prototype bionic eye with 24 electrodes.
more...
Medical Bionics: An interdisciplinary approach
14 August 2012
View the presentations from ‘TEDx UWollongong’, an event that shared the latest research in the field of medical bionics.
more...
Bionics Institute forms new department within the University of Melbourne
25 July 2012
The Bionics Institute has strengthened its relationship with The University of Melbourne with the creation of a Medical Bionics Department within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
more…
'Medical bionics: how far can we and should we go?'
9 July 2012
Last week, Bionics Institute Director, Prof Rob Shepherd (pictured), and Andrew Alexandra from the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics gave a public lecture hosted by The Melbourne Materials Institute (University of Melbourne). The lecture, ‘Medical bionics: how far can we and should we go’, explored the medical and ethical issues raised by improvements in medical bionics over the past 60 years. Link to vodcast.
State Government Minister visits the Bionics Institute
9 July 2012
In early July we were delighted to host a visit from the Hon Louise Asher, Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business (pictured with Mr Gerry Moriarty, Chairman of the Board (left) and Director Prof Rob Shepherd). The visit provided Minister Asher with an understanding of our research and recent developments, particularly in neurobionics.
Deputy Director awarded top science prize
18 June 2012
Bionics Institute Deputy Director, Professor Peter Blamey (left), has been recognised for his contribution to hearing aid design and bionic hearing with one of Australia’s most prestigious scientific and engineering prizes - the Clunies Ross Award. more…
Innovating for Victoria's Health
12 June 2012
In late May, a health and medical research exhibition, held in Queen’s Hall Parliament House, showcased to parliamentarians the cutting-edge medical research taking place in Victoria. more...
Thank-you Ritchies and Colgate-Palmolive
24 May 2012
Last month, Colgate-Palmolive donated 10c from each product sold through Ritchies Supa IGA stores and raised $12,000 for our research. We are very grateful for their support of the Institute and their fundraising efforts.
Bionics Institute Special Seminar on Stroke Rehabilitation
2 May 2012
The Bionics Institute will host a special lecture, “The role of neural reorganization in stroke rehabilitation”, by Professor Randolph Nudo on Friday 18th May. Professor Nudo is the Marion Merrell Dow Distinguished Professor in Aging and the Director of the Landon Center on Aging at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, USA. See flyer for details.
Support us by shopping at Ritchies during April
30 March 2012
During April, 10c from each sale of a Colgate-Palmolive product from any Ritchies Supa IGA will go to supporting our research programs in bionic hearing, bionic vision and neurobionics. For the locations of Ritchies Supa IGA stores visit their website, and for a complete list of Colgate-Palmolive products visit their website.
Bionics Institute Special Seminar on Deep Brain Stimulation
8 March 2012
The Bionics Institute will host a special lecture, “Electrical Stimulation to Adjust the Activity of Circuits and Networks in the Human Brain”, by Professor Andres M Lozano (RR Tasker Chair in Functional Neurosurgery, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada) on Friday 23rd March. See flyer for details.
Improving hearing aids for people with auditory neuropathy
23 February 2012
In auditory neuropathy, the sensory structures of the inner ear are largely functional; however, sound information is not faithfully transmitted to the brain and people experience great difficulty in understanding speech, especially in the presence of noise. more...
Auditory neuroscience workshop
8 February 2012
The Bionics Institute was a principal sponsor of the recent 8th Australasian Auditory Neuroscience Network Workshop held on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Institute researchers, Drs James Fallon and Lisa Pettingill, organised this excellent meeting that brought together scientists from Australia and New Zealand to inform, learn, and share knowledge of auditory neuroscience. more...
Deputy Director awarded prestigious fellowship
27 January 2012
Professor Hugh McDermott, Deputy Director (Research), was recently elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his contributions to improved sound-processing techniques for cochlear implants and hearing aids. Each year, following a rigorous evaluation procedure, the IEEE Fellow Committee recommends a select group of recipients for one of the Association's most prestigious honours - an IEEE Fellow.
Innovation in Medical Bionics
19 January 2012
Bionics Institute Deputy Director, Professor Peter Blamey, was one of a select number of expert speakers who presented at the INNOVATION in AUSTRALIA 2011 event hosted by the Federal Government last December. Link to presentation (video)
more...
Music for the Bionic Ear
11 January 2012
Robin Fox, one of Australia's leading composers and performers of experimental music, and Hamish Innes-Brown of the Bionics Institute joined forces to bring a new musical experience to cochlear implant recipients.
News of our research reaches new heights
12 December 2011
Somewhere between Melbourne and Sydney, or possibly Adelaide and Cairns, more than 262,000 people were treated to a six page in-depth story about medical bionics in Australia, and in particular the Bionics Institute. In the November issue of Virgin Airlines’ in-flight magazine, Voyeur, the article “Man and machine: How bionic engineering is changing the way we live” provided an overview of our bionic vision and neurobionics research programs, as well as describing the development of prosthetic limbs taking place in the USA. Full article.
"Excellent talks, superb venue, great food, wonderful country"
25 November 2011
The Bionics Institute is proud to continue its long tradition of leadership in the field of medical bionics research. We are committed to bringing together the people and the know-how to ensure progress in creating bionic solutions to major health issues, and our recent Medical Bionics Conference was another step forward in this progress. We’re delighted at the positive feedback we’ve received. more...
Neurobionics research program receives funding boost
9 November 2011The Bionics Institute’s Neurobionics research program has received a substantial funding boost with $862,000 being provided by The Colonial Foundation over the next three years. This research program aims to develop and evaluate new implantable devices to safely and effectively treat people who have severe and intractable neurological or psychiatric conditions. more...
Waverley Probus Club visits the Institute
26 October 2011
A group from the Waverley Probus Club attended the Bionics Institute last week to listen to Joav Niran (pictured), a cochlear implant recipient of more than six years and an Institute Ambassador. Joav was insightful and humorous when speaking of his personal experiences, particularly when discussing his first few weeks of familiarising himself with the device. more...
Institute keynote speakers at student-industry networking event
13 October 2011
Professors Peter Blamey and Hugh McDermott, Deputy Directors of the Bionics Institute will be keynote speakers at NetWork11 a student-industry networking event.
The dinner will be held on Thursday, 13th October by The Victoria Network of the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology). more...
Bionics Institute research at world-leading cochlear implant conference
18 August 2011
In late July, eight Bionics Institute staff attended the 2011 Conference on Implantable Auditory Prostheses in the USA.
This pre-eminent conference is the ideal forum for cochlear implant researchers from around the world to present their latest findings and exchange ideas. more...
Carbon nanotubes for advanced bionic devices
10 August 2011
Bionics Institute research was recently featured on the cover of the prestigious international journal Small. The research reported on the biosafety of carbon nanotubes and their suitability as a component of advanced bionic devices more...
Major Partner, Woodards, Unique Real Estate Challenge
4 August 2011
Woodards’ Director, Ruth Roberts, has been chosen by tv reality show, "The Block" participants, Josh and Jenna, to sell their house at 37 Cameron Street, Richmond, Victoria.
The first Sunday’s fundraiser was highly successful with $3,400 being raised on the day.
Congratulations and thanks to Woodards for their generosity. more...
Pedal power to raise funds for medical bionics research
29 July 2011
After riding approximately 20,000 kms on a recumbent bicycle in Australia and New Zealand, John has raised $94,000 for medical bionics research at the Bionics Institute. more...
Director invited speaker at Royal Society
30 June 2011
Prof Rob Shepherd was an invited speaker at the conference Tissue Engineering in the auditory system: Paving the way from basic science to clinical practice held at the Royal Society in London. The talk was entitled “Preserving auditory neurons: intracochlear electrical stimulation and neurotrophins”
Bionics Institute's neurotrophin research
New Institute launched
17 June 2011
PM Julia Gillard today announced that Australia has transitioned from the bionic ear to the bionic era of health and medical research. more...
Bionics Institute Chair Mr Gerry Moriarty and Senator Kim Carr, Innovation Minister