The Bionics Institute is liasing in partnership with a dedicated group of industry experts to help advise the future of Bionics Institute research, commercialisation, industry partnerships and government relations.
The Bionics Institute Industry Advisory Commitee members are key players in supporting the sustainability and future growth of the Bionics Institute with the ultimate goal of improving human health.
Members of the Industry Advisory Committee are:
- Dr Andrew Nash
- Jaala Pulford
- Brandon Alter
- Dr Alan Roberston
- Caroline Chernov
- Jagdeep Singh
- Rick Goldberg
- Andrew Campitelli
- Dr Stephanie Tan
- Sean Moore (Board Representative)
- Robert Klupacs (Committee Chair)
In supporting the development of Institute corporate, family office & government partnerships and commercialisation activities, they will help to ensure that we build a portfolio of spin-out companies, building the med tech ecosystem and adding to the growing critical mass of Australian commercialisation success.
The Bionics Institute are grateful to the Industry Advisory committee members for volunteering their time and expertise to the Bionics Institute as we seek to translate innovative research into patient outcomes for those who need it most.
You might be interested in…
What if the most important expert in a research project isn’t in the laboratory?
Through the Bionics Institute’s Community Involvement (CCI) Program, people living with conditions such as dementia, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, epilepsy and chronic pain are helping shape the future of medical research.
Facilitated by Dr Sally Herring, the program brings researchers together with people who have firsthand experience of living with challenging medical conditions. Their lived experience provides insights that no textbook or laboratory can offer, helping researchers ask better questions, identify unmet needs, and design research that is more relevant, practical and impactful.
Although still in its early stages, the program is already making a difference.
Over the past year, researchers, consumers and national advocacy organisations have come together to establish Community Advisory Committees, engage with individual lived experience expertise, facilitate workshops and begin to build lasting partnerships. One example is the Vagus Nerve Stimulation Centre of Excellence at Bionics Institute, which now incorporates consumer expertise across all arms and phases of development in its groundbreaking research programs.
Consumer insights have already directly influenced the design of a potential next stage Crohn’s disease clinical trial, inspired new ideas and indications for medical device development and highlighted priorities that researchers may otherwise have overlooked. Consumers have provided an open and honest window into their lived experience, educating and linking researchers with the real-world meaning of their work. Researchers have shared their research ideas and progress and are feeding back the impact of consumer expertise on the research to come.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Researchers are seeing the value of involving consumers from the outset, while advocacy organisations are embracing the program as a model for meaningful collaboration between researchers and the communities they serve.
As interest continues to grow across the Institute, so does the opportunity. The work of researchers and consumers to date has established a strong foundation at Bionics Institute, demonstrating how consumer involvement can strengthen research at every stage, from early ideas through to clinical translation. The next challenge is ensuring more research teams, and more consumers can benefit from this approach.
By embedding lived experience into the research process, the Bionics Institute is helping create better science and better outcomes for the community. Consumer and community involvement is becoming more than a research initiative; it’s helping shape a culture where discovery is driven not only by scientific excellence, but by the people research is ultimately designed to help. Dr Sally Herring
For Dapinder, supporting research is about more than giving back, it’s about helping improve the lives of people living with autoimmune conditions.
Diagnosed with primary Sjögren’s syndrome in 2015, Dapinder brings both her personal experience as a patient and her professional perspective as a dentist to the Bionics Institute’s Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) Program.
If it means improved outcomes for others, I’m committed to giving even more.
For more than a decade, Dapinder has managed the progressive autoimmune condition, which affects the body’s ability to produce tears, saliva and natural oils. While there is no cure, she hopes sharing her experience can help researchers better understand the impact of the disease and improve outcomes for others.
“I’ve lived with the disease for 11 years… if my understanding of this disease as a patient can help researchers and subject matter experts in developing solution, even for one person, it’s a win for me.”
As both a patient and a clinician, Dapinder believes lived experience is essential to research.
“People who are invested in researching and improving the quality of life of people with these conditions, they need as much data and patient input as possible. They need to hear different viewpoints.”
Supported by her husband, Jagdeep, and inspired by her family, Dapinder remains grateful for the opportunity to contribute and help shape future research.
“Dapinder’s personal and professional lived experience provides a targeted and powerful perspective that enhances the meaning, impact and reach of what we do. Her extraordinary openness, expertise and generosity benefits not just the individual research programs she contributes to but supports the consumer and community involvement program as a whole.” Dr Sally Herring
At the Bionics Institute, our focus is translating research from the lab into people’s lives to help those who need it the most. Our clinical trials are a major step in this process.
Current trials
Reboot: Abdominal vagus nerve stimulation as a novel treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
The abdominal vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS ) system is an active medical device placed into the body to allow electrical stimulation of the abdominal vagus nerve. Participants will undergo stimulation treatment with the device for 24 weeks after it is implanted by keyhole surgery.
The trial aims to assess the safety of the aVNS device for people experiencing moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that are not responding or are intolerant to drug therapies.
Electrx: Abdominal vagus nerve stimulation to prevent recurrence of IBD
Similar to the arthritis trial, the vagus nerve stimulation device will be attached to the abdominal branch of the vagus nerve with the aim of dampening inflammation following bowel resection surgery.
The clinical trial is conducted in collaboration with Austin Health and is currently recruiting through the Austin Hospital. It aims to demonstrate the safety of the device and help prevent the recurrence of Crohn’s disease at the surgical site.
Validation of an fNIRS objective measure of tinnitus in patients using app-delivered tinnitus management
We have demonstrated the sensitivity of a non-invasive brain imaging technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to detect tinnitus presence and severity.
We now aim to validate our objective measures in those using a smartphone app for tinnitus management called Oto, developed by the UK company Oto Health.
A two-centre study for the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy as an objective measure of the efficacy of standard tinnitus management
We have demonstrated the sensitivity of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to detect tinnitus-related changes in brain activity.
The trial aims to validate our objective measures of tinnitus presence and severity in people completing standard clinical treatment pathways.
A Randomised Controlled Trial of the Theta Burst Stimulation Melbourne Protocol for Alzheimer’s disease (The TRAM Protocol)
Professor Kate Hoy of the Bionics Institute has developed a treatment program using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which aims to improve brain function in people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The trial is investigating an extended course of personalised TMS in Alzheimer’s disease to determine both the clinical efficacy and duration of effects.
Multimodal Imaging in Cognitive Decline (The MInD Sub-study)
The study explores brain activity associated with ageing and cognitive decline to better understand changes in memory and thinking associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The trial aims to identify early signs of cognitive decline and better understand the mechanisms of memory and thinking changes.
A system for measuring activities of daily living in people with Spinocerebellar Ataxia
The team has established a clinical trial in remote communities in Australia to evaluate new technologies that use wearable sensors and artificial intelligence to produce more accurate measurements of ataxia.
The trial aims to provide people with limited access to specialist care with an accurate measure of disease progression and treatment effectiveness. Once the technology has been proven effective, it could potentially also be used to test investigational gene therapy treatments for ataxia.
Potential future clinical trials
Our researchers are also planning clinical trials into potential new treatments for tinnitus, Parkinson’s gait issues, ataxia and towards improvements in cochlear implant programming:
- Multimodal Coordinated Reset Stimulation as a treatment for Tinnitus
- Peripheral stimulation for Parkinson’s disease gait
- Augmented Reality for the analysis of eye movement abnormalities in Cerebellar Ataxia
- Digital Twins for Cochlear Implants: Personalised and precise implant programming
To participate -> https://www.bionicsinstitute.org/get-involved/participate-in-research-studies/
For more info -> https://www.bionicsinstitute.org/our-research/
You might be interested in…
Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of The Current.
At the Bionics Institute, our focus has always been on translating world-leading research into technologies and treatments that improve people’s lives.
This edition highlights the many steps involved in that journey, from discovery and collaboration through to clinical trials, where promising innovations begin to reach the people who need them most.
Clinical trials are a critical part of turning research breakthroughs into real-world impact. In this edition, we share an overview of our current and upcoming clinical trials, showcasing the breadth of our work across neurological and other complex health conditions. These studies represent years of research, engineering and collaboration, and are an important step towards developing new solutions for people who have limited treatment options today.
We are also focused on ensuring that the people most affected by these conditions have a voice in shaping the research we undertake. In this edition, we highlight our Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) Program, facilitated by Dr Sally Herring. By partnering with people with lived experience, we are strengthening our research process and ensuring our work remains connected to the needs of the communities we serve.
The progress we make is only possible through strong partnerships. You’ll read about Anita Castan’s support of Dr Oscar Murphy’s research into personalised brain stimulation for Alzheimer’s disease, demonstrating the important role philanthropy plays in accelerating promising discoveries.
We also welcome Philip Binns as our new Chair of the Board, bringing extensive experience in science, technology and commercialisation to guide the Institute’s future.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are helping transform innovative ideas into life-changing medical technologies.
Best wishes,
Robert Klupacs
CEO, Bionics Institute
Latest News
Philip Binns appointed Chair of the Board
CEO recognised for advancing innovative research
Digital Twins – One step closer to personalised cochlear implant care
From graduate to benefactor: A shared mission to make the world better
A Bionics Institute invention to improve brain stimulation treatment is on the road towards use in clinics following the launch of a new spin-off company.
Cognitive Therapeutics Pty Ltd (CogTx) is developing software co-invented by Bionics Institute researchers Professor Kate Hoy, Dr Oscar Murphy and Dr David Hill with the aim of improving the personalisation of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and outcomes for people with neurological and mental health conditions.
Backed by seed funding from Swinburne Ventures Ltd, Australian family offices and leading medtech entrepreneurs, with software development expertise to be provided by Planet Innovation, CogTx is the first collaboration to emerge from the strategic partnership between Swinburne University of Technology and the Bionics Institute.
Bionics Institute CEO, Robert Klupacs says:
“As well as improving treatment outcomes, the technology could cut the time required to personalise TMS treatment in half. We see this as a gamechanger for the expanding the use of TMS across a range of treatment areas.”
Widely used to treat people with treatment-resistant depression, Professor Kate Hoy leads the Bionics Institute research team investigating personalised TMS as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Studies are increasingly showing that personalised TMS can improve treatment effectiveness. However, the equipment currently used to map the exact treatment location for each individual is complex and can be prohibitively expensive for clinics Professor Kate Hoy
The specialist software will use MRI scans and advanced algorithms to identify the optimal treatment location for each person, replacing expensive equipment and simplifying the personalisation process.
Abs Seth, Swinburne Director of Commercial Innovation, said the collaboration marks an exciting step in medical research translation.
“Translating research into real-world impact is at the heart of both Swinburne and BI, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate and co-create industries of the future,” he said.
Chaired by Professor Graeme Samuel AC, CogTx will develop the software-based technology through to expected FDA approval and subsequent clinical deployment worldwide, as well as undertaking ongoing clinical trials investigating personalised TMS as a treatment for Alzheimer’s.
See our researchers on Channel 9
You might be interested in…
The Bionics Institute was proud to sponsor the 2026 Graeme Clark Oration, hosted by the Graeme Clark Institute on behalf of the University of Melbourne at Melbourne Connect.
Named in honour of Bionics Institute Founder Professor Graeme Clark, whose pioneering research led to the development of the cochlear implant, the Oration celebrates innovation and research with the potential to deliver real-world impact.
More than 400 guests joined the event in person and online to hear from Professor Milica Radisic from the University of Toronto, who presented “Building Human Tissues on Chips: Toward a Future Beyond Animal Testing.”
Professor Radisic explored the potential of tissue engineering and organ-on-chip technologies to transform biomedical research, reduce reliance on animal testing and support the translation of discoveries into practical applications.
The Oration brought together leaders and researchers from across health, engineering and medicine, providing an opportunity to share ideas and explore emerging technologies that could shape the future of healthcare.
As an organisation founded on the legacy of Professor Graeme Clark, the Bionics Institute is proud to support an event that recognises the importance of research, collaboration and innovation in improving lives.
The Bionics Institute’s sponsorship reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the research community and fostering connections between academia, healthcare and industry. Events such as the Graeme Clark Oration provide an important platform for researchers and the broader community to engage with ideas that have the potential to translate into meaningful health outcomes.
The Bionics Institute is pleased to support an event that continues Professor Clark’s legacy of transformative medical innovation.
You might be interested in…
Bionics Institute CEO Robert Klupacs joined more than 300 not-for-profit leaders at the Evans & Partners Not-For-Profit Leaders Forum 2026, held in Melbourne.
This year’s theme, “Think Big”, encouraged leaders to look beyond the day-to-day and consider the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the not-for-profit sector.
Robert joined the CEO Panel to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing organisations across the sector, including long-term sustainability and how philanthropy, technology and innovation can strengthen impact.
The forum provided an opportunity for Robert to share the Bionics Institute’s story and contribute to broader conversations about sustainable approaches to supporting medical research and translating innovation into impact.
Artificial intelligence featured prominently throughout the forum, with discussions exploring where AI is likely to have the greatest impact across the not-for-profit sector. Leaders considered its potential to transform fundraising, strengthen organisational capability and support more effective ways of delivering their missions.
The Bionics Institute’s participation reflects its commitment to engaging with the broader not-for-profit and philanthropic community, sharing its experience and exploring new ways to build sustainable support for research with the potential to improve lives.
You might be interested in…
The Bionics Institute welcomed supporters, partners and members of the research community on 12 August for our annual Celebration Event, marking a year of achievement, growth and progress.
In his speech, CEO Robert Klupacs highlighted several key milestones that are helping advance the Bionics Institute’s mission to transform lives through high-impact translational research.
“As I reflect on the past year at the Bionics Institute, I feel such an overwhelming sense of pride and achievement. It has been a year of growth, new partnerships, new facilities and commercialisation milestones.”
A highlight of the evening was recognising two outstanding contributors and partners with the Bionics Institute Awards.
Professor Mark Cook AM received the Bionics Institute Visionary Award for his remarkable scientific achievements in bionic and translational research and his longstanding partnership with the Institute.
Roger Gillespie OAM received the Bionics Institute Catalyst Award in recognition of his and wife Lesley’s continued commitment to advancing medical research, significant partnership with the Institute and role in accelerating research.
The evening was hosted by Chair of the Board, Phil Binns, whose memorable anecdotes and humour helped create a warm and celebratory atmosphere.
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past year and celebrate the people, partnerships and supporters who contribute to the Bionics Institute’s work.
As the Bionics Institute looks to the year ahead, the evening was a reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to improving lives.
The Bionics Institute thanks everyone who attended and continues to support our journey. We look forward to another year of discovery, collaboration and impact.
You might be interested in…
All medical breakthroughs start with the seed of an idea, and at the Bionics Institute, we believe those ideas need support and funding.
All medical breakthroughs start with the seed of an idea, and at the Bionics Institute, we believe those ideas need support and funding.
That’s why, under the leadership of former Chair of the Board of Directors John Stanhope AM, the Bionics Incubator Fund (BIF) was introduced in 2019 to fund research projects that explore a new idea.
These funds allow our researchers to conduct initial feasibility studies to provide an early evaluation of the technical viability of their ideas.
In the 7 years since it started, the BIF has supported 24 projects, 10 of which have gone on to attract over $14M in government grant and philanthropic funding.
BIF projects have also led to one spin-off company, numerous publications, patents and two clinical trials, one for a medical device to treat Parkinson’s disease and one for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
When John retired from the Board of Directors in 2025 after 13 years of dedicated service, he generously donated funds to start the John Stanhope Incubator Fund.
Innovation is part of the DNA of the Bionics Institute and it’s wonderful to think that my fund might be the catalyst for a future treatment that could help people live longer, fuller lives. John Stanhope AM
Bionics Institute researcher Dr Tomoko Hyakumura applied for incubator funding to whether a vagus nerve stimulation device under development for Crohn’s disease could be adapted for neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Tomoko says: “Early concept research into Parkinson’s and epilepsy funded by the BIF was successful and led to a new research program that I now lead under the supervision of A/Prof Sophie Payne.
The data generated through the BIF program helped secure philanthropic funding for both projects, which are both progressing well.
For epilepsy this has led to the additional data needed to secure $2.2M in government grant funding to progress the device towards a clinical trial.”
Bionics Institute CEO Robert Klupacs says the BIF gives researchers the freedom to experiment and discover the treatments of tomorrow, and he applauds John Stanhope’s leadership.
“If you want to get behind world leading research like John, I strongly encourage everyone to contribute to the BIF or set up their own named incubator fund and watch ideas flourish.”