Student Scholarships provide the opportunities and financial security for aspiring researchers to pursue a career in science and how you can help students become the research leaders of the future.
View the webinar recording to hear from research leaders about their experiences from a PhD or Masters to their positions today and from students who have just started on their exciting post-graduate research journeys.
Dr Sheridan Laing, Bionics Institute’s Research Program Manager, will explain the vital role students play within the Institute’s research teams to solve the world’s most challenging conditions with innovative technology.
A panel session between research leaders and post-graduate students, discussing their research and the support that has enabled them to pursue their careers in science to help find cures and treatments for many debilitating conditions.
More on the impact of student scholarships can be found on our website here.
Event recording
View the event recording for the Student Support: Changing the Future of Medicine.
Help fund pioneering research
Want to support the research stars of the future?
Early-stage research for life-changing devices & treatments is made possible by donations from our supporters.
Your support today could help pioneer the life-changing medical breakthroughs we urgently need!
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Biomedical Seminars
Each month, our public seminars are an opportunity to hear about our research projects and learn from local and international biomedical thought leaders.
You don’t need to be a researcher or academic to come along, all members of the public are welcome to join our seminars.
18 October: Dr Hamish MacDougall
Neurological Assessment using Virtual Reality
Date: Friday 18 October 2024
Time: 4.00-5.00pm
Location: in person and online via Teams
Contact: [email protected]
About the Seminar
Join Dr Hamish MacDougall as he presents a seminar that will explore how VR technology can be used to conduct neurological assessment both subjectively and objectively, in local or remote settings. Dr. MacDougall will discuss the latest advancements in VR-driven tools, highlighting their potential for improving diagnostic precision and therapeutic outcomes in patients with neurological conditions.
About Dr Hamish MacDougall
Dr. Hamish MacDougall is a world-renowned researcher specializing in vestibular function and the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Over the past 20 years, he has led pioneering research, including the development of 3D video eye trackers and VR-based tools. His work has been instrumental in spaceflight research, collaborating with NASA on projects related to astronaut performance in challenging gravitational and inertial environments. Dr. MacDougall’s innovative contributions also extend to clinical applications, where he developed the widely-used video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), revolutionizing the diagnosis of inner ear (semicircular canal) function.
11 October: Professor Chris Reid
How to design precise medicines for genetic epilepsy
Date: Friday 1 November 2024
Time: 4.00-5.00pm
Location: in person and online via Teams
Contact: [email protected]
About the seminar
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies or DEEs are predominantly monogenic disorders which are individually rare but collectively occur in 1 in 590 births, equating to >500 newly diagnosed children in Australia per year. DEE are characterised by severe refractory seizures and a range of comorbidities including significant developmental delay. With a genetic cause now identified in over 50% of individuals with a DEE, the era of precision medicine has begun. Pathogenic HCN1 variants have emerged as an important cause of DEE.
In this talk Professor Chris Reid will update you on the progress we have had in understanding HCN1 epilepsy. This will include how human variants in HCN1 have informed how the channel works, identifying an unrecognised retinal comorbidity and a promising small molecule that provides proof in principle that both seizures and comorbidities can be treated.
Professor Reid will also present work on new genetic mouse models of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) based on a human genetic underpinning. Physiological studies in the mice suggest that cardiac factors play an important part in the pathological cascade leading to premature death. We show that β-blockers can prevent premature death suggesting that ‘protecting the heart from the brain’ could reduce the incidence of SUDEP.
About Professor Chris Reid
Professor Chris Reid is Research lead of the Epilepsy Mission, member of Faculty and Head of the Neurophysiology of Excitable Networks Laboratory at The Florey. He is a translational neuroscientist and leads a multidisciplinary team that investigates the molecular and cellular causes of epilepsy. Key work includes developing and characterising new genetic rodent models of epilepsy and identifying new molecular targets for treating this devastating disease.
Professor Reid has strong engagement with industry and clinical partners providing a translational path. This includes past collaborations with the BioCurate and CSL. He also contributes significantly to the neuroscience community acting as Director of the Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (from 2020) and sitting on International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and American Epilepsy Society (AES) Genetic Task Forces. His vision is to continue to drive pre-clinical programs that will create and validate therapeutic strategies targeted at ion channels in epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
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Support Us
Your gift today will help us develop a ground-breaking tinnitus test and pave the way to new treatments for tinnitus.
Donate nowKevin’s story
Our world-first objective tinnitus test could bring relief to Kevin who has suffered with maddening high-pitched, jarring sounds in his head for 46 years.
He explains: “This thing is in your head. It drives you crazy.”
“When it first started, I would get to a high level of panic hearing this constant very high-pitched tone. I’d run to the bathroom, turn the water on at full blast and stick my head in the sink, as the noise of the water would mask the sound. It was the only way I could get relief.”
“For 46 years I’ve had to live with the fact that there’s no cure and no treatment for tinnitus. The possibilities of an easy tinnitus test are breathtaking. This test gives me hope.”
Bringing hope to people with tinnitus
Help fund pioneering research
Tinnitus, the perception of sounds without an external source, affects 1 in 10 people globally. 20% of those affected report severe tinnitus, and there is currently no treatment – only ways to control symptoms, that don’t always work.
But that could change with this revolutionary new test being developed by Dr Mehrnaz Shoushtarian and her team at the Bionics Institute.
Your gift will help our researchers develop the revolutionary medical device further and get it into doctor’s clinics as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love suffers with tinnitus, wouldn’t you want to stop the torment of tinnitus?
Deb’s story
New treatments could end the torment of tinnitus for people like Deb, a qualified midwife.
She says: “It’s like a gas leak in my head with multiple layers of hissing around the clock, every day.
“I can’t sleep. I can’t watch TV. I can’t concentrate enough to read or write. It’s kicked up my depression and anxiety.
“An objective test will give researchers the knowledge they need to find a treatment for people like me whose lives have been ruined by tinnitus,” she concludes.
Help us fast-track this treatment to stop the torment of tinnitus
If the new treatment is successful, you’ll help people live free of the torment of tinnitus.
Fast-tracking development of this test will bring relief and the tools needed to develop new treatments.
Every step towards a life free of tinnitus makes a huge difference – just ask Deb!
Thank you for your compassion and supporting the search for new treatments for tinnitus – your kindness means so much to patients and their families.
About this research
Our researchers have developed a non-invasive brain imaging technique that diagnoses tinnitus with incredible accuracy.
The aim is to provide clinicians with a reliable diagnostic test to assess if a treatment is working, and also give researchers the information needed to develop new treatments.
The new diagnostic test shines near infra-red light over the head using light sources set into a cap. The brain’s blood oxygen levels affect the amount of light reflected back, which is measured by detectors in the cap and analysed using AI.
The treatment will continue through clinical trials before being made available more widely. Find out more about participating in this research.
Help fund pioneering research
Want to support the future of research like this?
Early-stage research for life-changing devices & treatments like this is made possible by donations from our supporters.
Your support today could turn the seed of an idea into a new treatment in the future.
Find out how you can support research innovation here.
Support Us
Your gift today will help us research a breakthrough treatment to fight memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.
Donate nowAll gifts over $2 are tax deductible.
Cheryl’s story
Cheryl knows the heartbreak of watching her mum deteriorate from Alzheimer’s disease. The debilitating memory loss. The frustration of the same questions repeated over and over. Forgetting to eat, leading to malnutrition.
Chances are, you know someone with Alzheimer’s. Or someone who is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, like Cheryl.
That’s why we’re asking you to donate to help our researchers develop a new brain stimulation treatment for Alzheimer’s.
The non-invasive treatment, called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) applies magnetic pulses to change activity in the key regions of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s.
Your Gift Will Support the Future of Medicine
Did you know Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, the number two cause of death in Australia? Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide and there is no established treatment or cure.
But that could change with this revolutionary new treatment being developed by Professor Kate Hoy and her team at the Bionics Institute.
Your gift will help our researchers set up a comprehensive clinical trial of the brain stimulation technique and get it into doctor’s clinics as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love ends up with Alzheimer’s, wouldn’t you want to know a viable treatment is available?
Help us fast-track this treatment to fight memory loss
If the new treatment is successful, you’ll help people with Alzheimer’s remember their loved ones for longer.
Fast-tracking development of this treatment will bring relief to their carers.
Every month or year that memory loss can be delayed makes a huge difference – just ask Cheryl!
Thank you for your compassion and supporting the development of this treatment to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s – your kindness means so much to patients and their families.
About this research
Magnetic stimulation of the brain shows promise as a potential new treatment for people with Alzheimer’s disease and is now ready for testing in larger clinical trials.
Bionics Institute senior research Professor Kate Hoy has developed a treatment program using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to improve brain function in people with Alzeheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease has been shown to interfere with important networks in the brain and this disruption is linked to the cognitive difficulties experienced.
Professor Hoy will conduct a large-scale randomised, controlled trial of a personalised treatment approach. Read more about the research and how to register your interest in participating in the trial.
Want to support the future of research like this?
Early-stage research for life-changing devices & treatments like this is made possible by donations from our supporters.
Your support today could turn the seed of an idea into a new treatment in the future.
Find out how you can support research innovation here.
Support Us
Your gift today will help progress our hearing research to enable people to hear, speak and engage in society.
Donate nowHearing impairment is more than losing hearing
“Babies born with impaired hearing are at risk of falling behind in learning, emotional and social skills during school years, which affects their entire life if not treated early in life.
People who lose hearing as an adult may not be able to work, become isolated and miss out things others take for granted.
Deafness later in life is associated with the cognitive decline seen in dementia.
The financial costs of hearing impairment and associated effects on wellbeing in Australia were estimated at $33.3 billion in 2017 by the Hearing Care Industry Association.”
Bringing hope to people with hearing impairment
Help fund pioneering research
Hearing impairment is a term used for a very broad range of conditions and diseases that affects about 300 million adults worldwide. It can give rise to stigma, limited employment options, distress over communication issues, lower social and emotional wellbeing, and problems with speech, cognition and auditory processing.
The Bionics Institute was founded to develop the cochlear implant, a treatment for profound hearing impairment and has an excellent reputation for a wide range of hearing research.
Your gift will help our researchers develop diagnostic tools and revolutionary treatments for infants, adults and the older generation facing the challenge of hearing impairment.
If you or someone you love suffers with hearing impairment, wouldn’t you want to give them the gift of hearing?
Help us fast-track our research into hearing impairment
If the our research is successful, you’ll help millions of people around the world to hear and participate fully in society.
Fast-tracking development of the range of treatments and diagnostic tools will also save billions in health care costs.
Any improvement in hearing makes a huge difference – ask anyone who can’t hear well!
Thank you for your compassion and supporting the development of this treatment to find hearing loss solutions – your kindness means so much to patients and their families.
About this research
Our researchers are developing hearing impairment solutions for everyone from the tiniest babies to the oldest members of society.
Our hearing test for babies, called EarGenie®, is now in clinical trials to accurately measure hearing so the best treatment can be provided as early as possible to enable hearing and the development of speech.
Our nanotechnology treatment shows great promise in the quest to restore sensorineural hearing loss.
And, we continue to research ways to improve the cochlear implant. Read more about the research.
Help fund pioneering research
Want to support the future of research like this?
Early-stage research for life-changing devices & treatments like this is made possible by donations from our supporters.
Your support today could turn the seed of an idea into a new treatment in the future.
Find out how you can support research innovation here.
Support Us
Your gift today will help us develop a drug-free treatment to reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
Donate nowKaren’s story
Karen has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 22 years and says she will be first in line to test the new treatment when it goes into clinical trials.
She says: “The medication makes the the pain bearable most of the time, but when I have a flare up it’s a struggle to do anything.
“Some days my joints are burning hot, stiff and swollen. I find it very hard to walk. I can’t put my car key into the ignition.”
The treatment comprises a tiny device that stimulates the vagus nerve with electricity to reboot the body’s built-in healing system.
Bringing hope to people with rheumatoid arthritis
Help fund pioneering research
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means the body attacks its own organs causing inflammation of joints and leading to pain, deformity and disability. It affects over 500,000 Australians.
But that could change with this revolutionary new treatment being developed by Dr Sophie Payne and her team at the Bionics Institute.
Your gift will help our researchers set up a comprehensive clinical trial of the revolutionary medical device and get it into doctor’s clinics as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love suffers with rheumatoid arthritis, wouldn’t you want to give them the opportunity to be pain-free?
Help us fast-track this treatment to stop pain and disability
If the new treatment is successful, you’ll help people with rheumatoid arthritis live a life free of pain and disability.
Fast-tracking development of this treatment will bring relief to sufferers and their families.
Being able to move and do daily activities without pain will make a huge difference – just ask Karen!
Thank you for your compassion and supporting the development of this treatment to for rheumatoid arthritis – your kindness means so much to patients and their families.
About this research
Our researchers are developing a drug-free treatment for rheumatoid arthritis to give long-term relief from pain and disability for people no longer responding to drug therapies.
A tiny electrode array is attached to the vagus nerve just under the diaphragm. The vagus nerve connects the brain to the gut and contols natural anti-inflammatory processes.
The electrode is powered by a small battery implanted at hip level. The battery only needs to be replaced every 10 years, ensuring the device provides a set-and-forget treatment.
The treatment will go into clinical trials before being made available more widely. Read more about the research.
Want to support the future of research like this?
Early-stage research for life-changing devices & treatments like this is made possible by donations from our supporters.
Your support today could turn the seed of an idea into a new treatment in the future.
Find out how you can support research innovation here.
Thank you for registering your interest to attend the Bionics Institute 2023 Innovation Lecture
You have now been added to our waiting list and you will receive an email as soon as a space becomes available.
Event details
Date: Wednesday 17 May 2023
Time: 5.30pm arrival for 6pm start
Networking drinks: 7.30 – 9.30pm
Venue: RACV City Club, 501 Bourke St, Melbourne
Who else will be attending?
Through the Innovation Lecture series, the Bionics Institute aims to develop a shared understanding of what it will take to build Australia through innovation between:
– Med tech thought leaders
– Start-up founders and entrepreneurs
– Government agencies and peak bodies
– Impact investors, fund managers and VCs
– Healthcare and tertiary education leaders
– Trusts, foundations and philanthropists
– Business media.
Sponsorship opportunities
Position your brand as an innovation leader and forge wide-reaching connections across the med tech ecosystem.
Talk to our team about the range of brand acknowledgement, promotional and hospitality benefits available to sponsors in 2023 by emailing: [email protected]
Your brand could be seen by 350 event guests; 1000 Med Tech Talks podcast listeners, and thousands of people viewing this page, as illustrated by our 2022 Innovation Lecture sponsors below.
Keynote speaker: Dr Andreas Fouras, CEO of 4DMedical
4DMedical was incorporated in 2012 to acquire the imaging platform XV Technology from Monash University, where it was originally conceived and developed by Andreas and his former research group.
4DMedical aims to change the outcome for patients with lung disease by revolutionising respiratory and ventilation analysis using this technology, which is the first FDA approved respiratory imaging system using algorithms to convert x-ray image sequences into four-dimensional data to enhance clinical management.
In May 2020, 4DMedical obtained FDA approval for its XV technology and in August 2020 completed an initial public offering (IPO) on the ASX, raising $56 million. The global market for respiratory diagnostics is currently estimated to exceed $US30 billion per annum.
After completing his PhD in engineering, Andreas rose to the position of Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Director of the Laboratory for Dynamic Imaging at Monash University. Andreas is now the founding CEO of 4DMedical, based in Melbourne and Los Angeles.
Keynote speaker: Kylie Walker, CEO of ATSE
Kylie is the CEO of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), where she works with expert Fellows to lead crucial national conversations and strategy towards a thriving, healthy and connected Australia supported by technology.
Kylie specialises in connecting technologists, engineers and scientists with governments, business, media and society – skills built over many years in senior federal communication and advocacy roles in the science, technology and health sectors.
As the immediate past CEO of Science & Technology Australia, Kylie led campaigns to increase investment in Australian research and development, and created the acclaimed Superstars of STEM program, championing Australian women in science technology, engineering and mathematics.
Kylie is also a visiting Fellow at the Australian Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. She was Chair of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO and in 2019, she was named in the 100 Women of Influence list by the Australian Financial Review for her work on improving equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM.
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Building Australia Through Innovation
Over 320 guests comprising med tech executives, researchers, clinicians, government staff and investors attended the Innovation Lecture.
The focus of this year’s event was to bring med tech leaders together to explore how Australia can accurately measure innovation, boost the med tech ecosystem and strengthen connections. Networking drinks followed the lecture which provided guests with the opportunity to forge partnerships and develop links with like-minded people.
Keynote speakers
Dr Andreas Fouras, CEO, 4DMedical
Kylie Walker, CEO, ATSE
Panellists
Dr Jill Freyne, Deputy Chief Medical Scientist, CSIRO
Christine Williams, Former General Manager, Innovation Metrics Review
Who attended?
Through the Innovation Lecture series, the Bionics Institute aims to develop a shared understanding of what it will take to build Australia through innovation between:
– Med tech thought leaders
– Start-up founders and entrepreneurs
– Government agencies and peak bodies
– Impact investors, fund managers and VCs
– Healthcare and tertiary education leaders
– Trusts, foundations and philanthropists
– Business media.
Keynote speaker: Dr Andreas Fouras, CEO of 4DMedical
4DMedical was incorporated in 2012 to acquire the imaging platform XV Technology from Monash University, where it was originally conceived and developed by Andreas and his former research group.
4DMedical aims to change the outcome for patients with lung disease by revolutionising respiratory and ventilation analysis using this technology, which is the first FDA approved respiratory imaging system using algorithms to convert x-ray image sequences into four-dimensional data to enhance clinical management.
In May 2020, 4DMedical obtained FDA approval for its XV technology and in August 2020 completed an initial public offering (IPO) on the ASX, raising $56 million. The global market for respiratory diagnostics is currently estimated to exceed $US30 billion per annum.
After completing his PhD in engineering, Andreas rose to the position of Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Director of the Laboratory for Dynamic Imaging at Monash University. Andreas is now the founding CEO of 4DMedical, based in Melbourne and Los Angeles.
Keynote speaker: Kylie Walker, CEO of ATSE
Kylie is the CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), where she works with expert Fellows to lead crucial national conversations and strategy towards a thriving, healthy and connected Australia supported by technology.
Kylie specialises in connecting technologists, engineers and scientists with governments, business, media and society – skills built over many years in senior federal communication and advocacy roles in the science, technology and health sectors.
As the immediate past CEO of Science & Technology Australia, Kylie led campaigns to increase investment in Australian research and development, and created the acclaimed Superstars of STEM program, championing Australian women in science technology, engineering and mathematics.
Kylie is also a visiting Fellow at the Australian Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. She was Chair of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO and in 2019, she was named in the 100 Women of Influence list by the Australian Financial Review for her work on improving equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM.
Panellist: Dr Jill Freyne, Deputy Chief Scientist, CSIRO
A highly experienced leader in digital health service delivery, Jill is recognised in Australia and internationally for her work in transformative health technology solutions.
She is passionate about improving equity and accessibility in the healthcare industry and has extensive experience in leading teams to devise sustainable health innovations.
Jill joined CSIRO in 2013 and has held a number of leadership roles in digital health research, working extensively with government and industry partners. She received her PhD in Computer Science from University College Dublin in Ireland and has held positions at the Clarity Center for Sensor Web technologies and IBM Research, USA.
Panellist: Christine Williams, Former GM, Innovation Metrics Review
Christine Williams is an experienced leader, economist, data scientist, risk manager, and company director. She has worked in innovation, as a research and development manager, and in the startup sector. She is currently a director of St John Ambulance Australia Ltd, a member of the University of Canberra Council, Chairperson of the Energy Safe Victoria Technical Advisory Committee, an Australian Institute of Company Directors ACT Division Council member, and works at Deloitte.
Her previous roles included being General Manager of the Innovation Metrics Review in the second half of 2018 and throughout 2019, heading the team reporting to Dr Alan Finkel (then Australia’s Chief Scientist), and Mark Cully (then Chief Economics of the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources).
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We were delighted to welcome Professor Field Rickards to our final staff meeting of 2022 to present the annual Field Rickards awards.
Professor Rickards started his career as a PhD student with Professor Graeme Clark in the Bionic Ear program.
He made a substantial contribution to hearing research during his career and was part of the team that created Australia’s cochlear implant.
Professor Rickards held a number of prestigious roles at the University of Melbourne and was a member of the Bionics Institute Board of Directors from 1988 through to 2020.
In recognition of his long service, the Bionics Institute honours Professor Rickards’ legacy through the annual Field Rickards Annual Awards for Leadership and Impact.
These were awarded to:
Best Researcher 2022
Best Student 2022
Best Research Team 2022
Biggest Impact 2022
Ms Lisa Dyball
Dr Tommy Peng (L) receives the award of Best Researcher from Professor Field Rickards (R)
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Bionic Institute’s novel hearing diagnostic system, EarGenie , moves closer to commercialisation with a new government grant of over $1m
The Bionics Institute’s development of a ground-breaking hearing test for babies, called EarGenie ®, is one of 16 projects to be funded by the latest National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Development Grant round in December 2022.
The awarded grant budget of $1,176,999.50 is the second highest amount given to any research project in the latest round of development grant funding, in what is a significant boost for the EarGenie project.
Led by Professor Colette McKay, EarGenie will enable audiologists to choose the best type of hearing device and tailor it accurately for each child at an earlier age than currently possible.
Professor McKay says that after an infant is diagnosed with a hearing loss, it is vital that a hearing aid or cochlear implant is provided as soon as possible, otherwise language development is significantly impacted.
McKay says: “We are using this grant to develop a new hearing assessment system that will lead to significantly earlier intervention for infants who are born with a hearing loss, so that their language development can reach its full potential.
“The funding is a great boost for the team and will enable the project to move significantly towards commercialisation and the implementation of EarGenie testing in clinics”. Professor Colette McKay
A total of $15 million is to be shared among 16 projects, with the aim of accelerating the commercialisation of Australian research into products that improve human health.
The Bionics Institute has an impressive track record of translating medical device research into commercial products, and CEO Robert Klupacs applauds the NHMRC support of EarGenie.
Klupacs says the NHMRC support will provide a tremendous opportunity for Colette and her team to help young families give their children the best possible start in life.
“Everyone at the Bionics Institute is thrilled for Professor McKay and her team, and we look forward to seeing EarGenie successfully translated into clinics for the benefit of these infants.”