I think that all Australians, regardless of where they live, should have access to accurate medical diagnoses and interventions. When it comes to basic access to specialist care in remote and rural locations, the playing field really needs to be levelled.
With an exciting career that includes a stint at NASA, Dr Hamish MacDougall’s professional career has been defined by a string of inventions fuelled by curiosity and a desire to improve neurological conditions. He has now joined the Bionics Institute, where he is working on an extended reality (XR) device solution for the diagnosis of neurological conditions.
We sat down with Hamish for a conversation about his research.
Why did you join the Bionics Institute?
What really drew me to the Bionics Institute is how different it is to other organisations. Because my research is dependent on being able to get devices out into the public, into the lives of people who need them, I wanted to work somewhere that not only understood the value and necessity of commercialisation, but also had the experience and the success to make it happen.
At the start of my career, I thought science just about the endless cycle of creating a gadget and publishing a paper about it, then putting the gadget in a box on a shelf and starting the process all over again. But, seeing the gaps that exist in healthcare makes you realise just how valuable it is to get those devices off the shelves and into the world.
Commercialisation is the only real pathway for doing that, getting a gadget from a bench in the lab into tens of thousands of clinics. I can’t physically make thousands of prototypes; you need a commercial partner for that. The Bionics Institute really understands that pathway, and that’s why I chose to come here.
Tell us a bit about what you’re working on right now.
My main project at the moment uses Extended Reality (XR) – the umbrella term that includes virtual reality, mixed reality and augmented reality. I have developed a XR headset which is capable of administering a huge variety of tests and can be remotely accessed from anywhere.
What this means is, we can send this headset out to, say, a remote clinic in rural NT, and the GP out there can put this headset on a patient who’s having a vision or neurological problem. The GP can then go and make himself a coffee, or do some paperwork for half an hour, while a specialist working out of a hospital here in Melbourne can communicate with the individual and run tests in real time.
The tests will show up on the screen for the patient to follow with their eyes, and the data captured about their eye movements can be sent back to the specialist in real time for analysis.
It means we can move it away from subjective, conversational diagnosis and into real, definitive data that clinicians can use for accurate diagnosis.
How does it differ from what currently exists in clinics?
The first difference is cost, which is obviously a concern. The current options that can do a similar thing are around $100,000. Second is the testing capabilities. These goggles can do many different tests, which has the potential to open up lots of new avenues. Ophthalmologists, for example, don’t currently have anything like this that they can use for testing and analysis. And third is, of course, the portability.
When you put all three differences together, that intersection is where the possibilities really open up. That’s what I find so exciting. Imagine being able to send these out on every plane with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, or the Fred Hollows Foundation. We’re talking about something that fits in a case not much bigger than a lunchbox. A social worker could throw it in the passenger seat of their car when they go out to visit people. The possibilities are endless.
What makes this so important?
I think that all Australians, regardless of where they live, should have access to accurate medical diagnoses and interventions. When it comes to basic access to specialist care in remote and rural locations, the playing field really needs to be levelled.
I read an article in the ABC last year that was talking about people in every state waiting years to see a neurologist. And that’s against a recommended wait time of no more than 30 days. People are not only suffering through their original symptoms for this time, but on top of that we’re finding that they are developing additional complications, often irreversible ones.
I remember reading a similar article a couple of years ago, and things seem to only have gotten worse since then. It’s a problem that is growing and needs new solutions to address it.
What is standing in the way of making this happen? What’s the biggest obstacle you need to solve right now?
All government grants have this kind of roadblock in them, where you need to have a certain amount of data to get this happening in order to get money. But you need money to do the work that gets you the data.
Right now, we need to get our devices in front of vestibular clinicians. They’re the experts; they’re the ones who are in front of patients every day. We need their support in order to take this device further. So, we need the money to manufacture enough devices to send out to these clinicians and then partner with them to do the trials that can give us the data that informs us about how to proceed.
That’s where the support of philanthropy comes in, that’s what gets us across the line and gets us to a point where we have something that says to the government, or a company ‘hey, this is actually possible, this can happen, and now we can pass the baton to you and you can put it out into the world, bring it to the public.’
That’s what we ask for when we ask for people to help us: bridge the gap between what we have now, and what government funding gives us.
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The Bionics Institute is proud to celebrate CEO Robert Klupacs, who has been recognised with an Individual Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2026 Impact Investment Awards.
This national recognition highlights Robert’s and Bionics Institute’s leadership in advancing medical technology research and our innovative approach to funding life-changing discoveries.
By bringing together philanthropy, impact investment and intellectual property licensing, Robert and Bionics Institute has helped accelerate the development of technologies that have the potential to improve lives on a global scale.
The awards were of the Impact Investment Summit held in Sydney on March 25/26.
\With over 850 attendees, the event connected investors with high-impact opportunities across sectors including healthcare, medtech and social innovation.
The Summit plays a key role in mobilising capital toward solutions that deliver measurable benefits for communities and patients, aligning closely with the Bionics Institute’s mission to translate research into real-world outcomes.
Under Robert’s leadership, the Institute continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in hearing and neurological research—ensuring that breakthrough science can reach the people who need it most, faster.
Robert was recognised alongside an inspiring group of leaders, including Georgina Byron AM, CEO of the Snow Foundation; Hanna Ebeling CFA, CEO at SEFA; and Sally McCutchan OAM.
We also extend our congratulations to all organisations recognised at this year’s awards.
This recognition reflects not only individual achievement, but the growing importance of innovative funding models in bringing medical research to life—turning promising ideas into tangible health outcomes.
To learn more about the awards and the Impact Investment Summit, visit: https://impactinvestmentsummit.com/
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Researchers at the Bionics Institute are advancing a new frontier in hearing healthcare, with significant progress in the development of digital twin technology for cochlear implant users.
The team has successfully developed and validated a sophisticated virtual model of the electrode–neuron interface—an essential component in understanding how cochlear implants stimulate the auditory nerve.
This provides a reliable foundation for simulating how individual patients respond to implant settings, moving beyond traditional, moving beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches to programming.
Building on this work, researchers are now integrating machine learning techniques to predict personalised programming parameters.
These AI-driven models are designed to account for the unique anatomy and neural responses of each user, enabling more precise, adaptive, and data-driven management of cochlear implants.
The ultimate goal is to create fully realised “twins” of cochlear implant patients: virtual replicas that can be used to test and optimise device settings before applying them in clinical practice.
This approach has the potential to significantly improve outcomes, particularly for patients who may struggle to provide consistent feedback during standard programming sessions, such as young children.
Clinical validation of these digital twin models is expected to begin in the coming year, representing a critical step toward their integration into real-world healthcare settings.
If successful, the technology could streamline clinical workflows, reduce the need for repeated adjustments, and deliver more consistent and effective hearing outcomes.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape medicine, this work highlights how digital twin technology can move personalised care from concept to practice, offering a smarter, more tailored approach to cochlear implant management.
To find out more about this research click here.
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“Talking is the simplest yet the most effective means to make a difference,” says Omnia, who travels the world giving lectures that explore the fascinating workings of the human mind.
Onboard cruise ships, she captivates audiences with stories about psychopathy, neuroscience, and the brain—sparking curiosity in people from all walks of life.
It all began after she retired from running her consulting business in psychological and marketing profiling. While on a cruise, she noticed that guests could not stop discussing a criminal case in Victoria.
Seeing the international fascination, she developed a series of lectures on the “Mind of a Psychopath,” combining storytelling with brain science.
She shows PET scans of psychopaths, highlighting two brain areas where neurons aren’t firing, linked to guilt, remorse, empathy, and fear.
“After discussing the PET scans, I introduce the Bionics Institute and the work they are undertaking,” she explains.
She shares the Institute’s pioneering research in brain stimulation and clinical trials aimed at conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, sparking interest without the overwhelm of technical detail.
Audiences respond with fascination.
Her talks create an opportunity to connect a global audience with the important work being done right in her home city: “I am proud that the Bionics institute is in my local Melbourne.”
For Omnia, supporting the Institute is deeply personal. With decades of experience in rigorous research and clinical trials, and a daughter working at the Bionics Institute, she understands both the scientific and human impact of the work being done.
She explains, “People from all walks of life are fascinated with the brain,” adding that Alzheimer’s disease is something we more than likely have been or will be affected by.
Ultimately, Omnia believes in the power of conversation.
When we talk, we become an advocate with the cause, a believer of the cause and a credible spokesperson for the cause.
Through her lectures, she demonstrates that raising awareness doesn’t always require a stage or a campaign and sometimes, it starts with a conversation. Conversations that Omnia proves, can inspire interest, engagement, and support for groundbreaking brain research.
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Anita Castan and Bionics Institute researcher Dr Oscar Murphy both went to the same university 34 years apart. Their degrees took them on different journeys, but they share a common goal: the determination to make the world a better place.
Anita set up a philanthropic foundation in 2022, and says she supports upcoming scientists because she believes in the power of research to make a meaningful difference in the community.
Oscar’s PhD focused on investigating how brain stimulation can be used to treat depression.
He then joined the Bionics Institute in 2022 working in the team led by Professor Kate Hoy, which is running a world-first clinical trial of personalised Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a potential non-invasive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
When Anita met Oscar in 2025, she could see how passionate he was about his work and she was fascinated by the technology.
I have seen first-hand how devastating Alzheimer’s is, not just for the person with the condition but also for their loved ones, and I was keen to support Oscar in his research. It seems that the current treatments don’t work and if TMS could give people with Alzheimer’s their memory back, that would be wonderful. Anita Castan
Oscar was ‘blown away’ when Anita said she wanted to support his research.
He said: “I have spent countless hours writing grant applications that have less than 1 in 10 chance of success and it’s very disheartening to get constant knock backs. I just want to do research to improve quality of life for people and Anita’s gift allows me to do just that. I’m incredibly proud to hold the title of: Anita Castan Foundation Fellow.“
Bionics Institute CEO Robert Klupacs says the link between Anita and Oscar is very special. “Anita wants to make the world a better place and Oscar is working everyday to make the world a better place for people Alzheimer’s – we’re thrilled to partner with Anita to make this a reality.”
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Research at the Bionics Institute Vagus Nerve Stimulation Centre of Excellence (VNSCoE) will be boosted by government grants totalling almost $2.2 million recently awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Bionics Institute Chief Technology Officer, Professor James Fallon will lead a NHMRC Development Grant project in collaboration with the industry partner that manufactures the implantable pulse generator of the Bionics Institute’s vagus nerve stimulation device, with the aim of accelerating translation of the device into the clinic.
Head of the VNS CoE, A/Prof Sophie Payne will lead an Ideas Grant project with Dr Tomoko Hyakumura, A/Prof Peta Grigsby and Dr Alex Thompson with the aim of understanding how vagus nerve stimulation at abdominal level activates the brain to abate seizures in epilepsy.
In a funding landscape where only 8% of NHMRC grants were successful in 2025, we are delighted to receive significant funding for this vital research, which could change the lives of millions of people around the world with challenging conditions. Robert Klupacs, Bionics Institute CEO
The Centre of Excellence brings together specialised teams of engineers, scientists and clinicians with international and Australian collaborators to investigate the viability of the VNS device as a treatment for over 20 conditions.
The device is currently in clinical trials for Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, and under investigation for the treatment of epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease with more in the pipeline.
For more information about the VNSCoE, go to: https://www.bionicsinstitute.org/our-research/vagus-nerve-stimulation-research/
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Celebrating 40 years since the Bionics Institute was founded, we are delighted to announce that three new Directors from Swinburne University of Technology recently joined the Bionics Institute Board.
Interim Chair of the Board Hannah Crawford says the new Directors will bring expertise in research strategy, commercialisation and transdisciplinary research to the Board, helping to propel the Bionics Institute into the future.
This marks the beginning of our partnership with Swinburne where we will combine cutting edge facilities, scientific expertise and resources to progress medical device innovation with the aim of improving human health. Hannah Crawford, Interim Chair
Professor Karen Hapgood is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research at Swinburne, where she leads Swinburne’s Research strategy and advances Swinburne’s innovative and tech-focused R&D community. Her career has combined industry experience in the USA and Australia, including 4 years of pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing experience with Merck & Co USA followed by 15 years of leadership roles in the higher education sector, all based around a common thread of manufacturing and STEM and leadership.
Dr Werner van der Merwe is the inaugural Vice President, Innovation and Enterprise at Swinburne, charged with invigorating innovative spirit in partnership with industry. Since his appointment, Swinburne has become one the most inventive universities in Australia and owns shares in more startups for its size than any other Australian university. Before joining Swinburne, Werner led the Commercialisation function at CSIRO, as well as an extensive international career in roles that spanned engineering, research and development, and commercial positions.
As Pro Vice Chancellor, Flagship Initiatives at Swinburne, Professor Alan Duffy is tasked with driving large and ambitious transdisciplinary research across Swinburne’s flagship research areas by actively engaging with external organisations (including government, industry, NGOs) to identify large-scale opportunities that require university-wide collaboration and the formation of coalitions of universities and partners. He brings to the Bionics Institute his experience of over 15 years of research, as a computational astrophysicist, and founder of a sensor company, mDetect, exploring mine sites nationwide.
For more information about our strategic alliance, read this article: https://www.bionicsinstitute.org/latest-news-newsletter/swinburne-bionics-institute-strategic-alliance/
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Understanding Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive movement disorder that occurs when nerve cells essential for normal movement and coordination stop working properly. These nerve cells communicate through a chemical messenger called dopamine, and when dopamine levels decline, the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s appear. PD affects over six million people worldwide.
Walking difficulties in PD
Walking disturbances in PD are very common and can result in increased falls and injury. Walking impairments include reduced walking speed and step length, impaired rhythm of walking, inability to initiate walking and ‘freezing of gait’- the inability to move feet forward despite the intention to walk. Walking impairments worsen as the disease progresses and markedly affect an individual’s independence and quality of life.
The need for new treatments
Despite the prominence of walking impairments in PD, few therapeutic options are available. Medication can help but often does not return walking to where it should be. Similarly, deep brain stimulation (DBS), a form of surgery, can improve some gait disturbances but can also cause worsening of others.
Walking difficulties and the risk of falls remain major obstacles to independence, highlighting the urgent need for new interventions that improve walking and quality of life.
Innovative research at the Bionics Institute
At the Bionics Institute, A/Prof Mehrnaz Shoushtarian and her collaborators (Prof Robert Iansek and Dr Anna Murphy) at Kingston Centre, Monash Health are exploring peripheral sensory stimulation as a novel approach to Parkinson’s gait. This method involves delivering stimulation in the form of mild electrical pulses or vibration to the feet, aiming to disrupt abnormal brain activity associated with PD and help better regulate walking.
A/Prof Shoushtarian and her team have begun a clinical trial to assess the effect of stimulation on walking impairments in PD. By combining clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology, the Institute seeks to develop practical, evidence-based solutions that enhance mobility, independence, and overall quality of life for people living with this condition.
Our aim is to develop a stimulation device that is easy to use for patients and can transform the management of walking disorders in PD. Associate Professor Mehrnaz Shoushtarian
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Bionic eye research at the University of Melbourne, carried out in collaboration with Bionics Institute researchers and featured in a recent paper published in the journal Brain Stimulation, demonstrated how hybrid nerve stimulation enhances electrical stimulation, not just for the bionic eye, but also for other implants.
Electrical stimulation has been used for decades in medical devices such as the cochlear implant, but the electrical current spreads out from the stimulating site and reduces the precision of the device.
Stimulating nerves with light gives more precision, but nerves don’t naturally respond to light, so a technique called optogenetics must be used. Optogenetics is a technology to genetically modify nerves to allow them to be activated with light.
In this study, combined electrical and light stimulation (termed hybrid stimulation) was used for optimal precision, timing, and reliability of nerve activation in the eye. The highlights of the research detailed in this paper are:
- Hybrid stimulation needs less light intensity and electrical current compared to either method alone, enhancing safety.
- Hybrid stimulation improves the response reliability to high-frequency stimulation compared to methods that use light alone.
- Hybrid stimulation maintains precision, surpassing conventional electrical-only methods.
- Hybrid stimulation is effective with electrodes as far as 3 mm away from the retina, providing an avenue for less-invasive vision restoration.
Bionics Institute’s Professor Rachael Richardson, a world leader in optogenetics and co-senior author on this publication, says: ” Bionic eyes currently in clinical trials are predominantly electrical-only devices. Hybrid stimulation could be a missing piece which greatly improves the level of vision restored.
“There are also many other devices that could benefit from this technique, such as nerve stimulation to curb chronic pain, cardiac devices and bionic limbs.”
Dr Wei Tong, a researcher at the University of Melbourne and the corresponding/co-senior author on the publication, says: “The goal is not just to activate nerves, but to do so reliably, precisely, and with minimal invasiveness. Hybrid stimulation brings us closer to restoring meaningful function for patients.”
Read the publication here: https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(25)00414-0/fulltext
Read more about Professor Richardson’s chronic pain research here: https://www.bionicsinstitute.org/our-research/autoimmune-and-chronic-disease/a-drug-free-approach-to-relieve-chronic-pain/
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We’re excited to share a major new publication from the Bionics Institute, now published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
This study offers fresh insight into how the brain adapts after cochlear implantation and why some people benefit more than others.
The research team, led by Jamal Esmaelpoor with Tommy Peng, Beth Jelfs, Darren Mao, Maureen Shader, and Colette McKay, studied brain activity in 29 people who received cochlear implants. Using a non-invasive brain imaging technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), the team measured how participants’ brain networks changed one month and one year after implantation.
What they found was exciting. The brain doesn’t adapt in a simple, fixed way during visual lipreading and speech listening. Instead, brain networks change dynamically over time, showing shifts in neural plasticity and communication between the left and right sides of the brain. Even more importantly, the researchers discovered that the stability of a person’s brain network shortly after implantation could predict how well they would understand speech in the future.
This finding is especially meaningful because nearly 30% of cochlear implant users currently experience limited benefit. Being able to predict outcomes early could help clinicians tailor rehabilitation programs to each individual, improving long-term results.
The study also highlights why it’s so important to look beyond static snapshots of the brain. By capturing how brain connectivity changes over time, this work provides a richer, more realistic picture of how the brain learns to process sound again after implantation.
Overall, this publication marks an exciting step forward in understanding brain adaptation and opens new possibilities for personalized care in cochlear implant rehabilitation.
Learn more about the study: https://www.growkudos.com/publications/10.1073%25252Fpnas.2505086122/reader
Read the full paper in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2505086122