Nerve damage caused by disease, injury or infection can lead to chronic pain, which affects a staggering 1 in 4 people worldwide.
Bionics Institute researcher, Associate Professor Rachael Richardson says finding a drug-free alternative to medications has become her mission because they often give inadequate relief and cause unwanted side effects.
She says: “My team has developed a nerve stimulation technique that uses a combination of light and electricity, and we’ve shown we can either activate or suppress nerve activity, which both have a role in the treatment of chronic pain.”
Having shown that the new technique can be used to selectively activate the sciatic nerve, her team is now working on selectively suppressing parts of the sciatic nerve causing pain.
“We believe that using this technique will give us unprecedented control over the transmission of pain signals to the brain and remove the need for pain medication.”
A/Prof Richardson was recently awarded a grant by the CASS Foundation to take this research to the next step and with further support, plans to take this research all the way to the clinic to help people suffering from chronic pain.
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Unlike many other conditions, there’s currently no reliable test to diagnose tinnitus.
Without a diagnostic tool, researchers are unable to test the effectiveness of treatments to give relief to people living with constant ringing and buzzing in their ears.
This is despite the fact that severe cases can lead to sufferers stopping work and social activities, causing financial hardship and worsening mental health.
Bionics Institute researcher Dr Mehrnaz Shoushtarian and her team have been working on a test to diagnose tinnitus using a combination of light technology and artificial intelligence.
Pilot studies show that the test is over 80% effective in diagnosing the severity of tinnitus.
Now we need the help of our supporters to take this test to the next level – a comprehensive clinical trial needed to get approval for use of the test in clinics.
This will be the next step towards developing life-changing treatments for this auditory torment.
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For Bionics Institute supporters Peter Griffin AM and Terry Swann, the decision to set up a scholarship fund to support a PhD student over four years was very straightforward.
“We see our role as assisting research institutes to fund bright, young people to advance knowledge into a range of problems still facing society today,” Peter explains.
Peter and Terry were particularly keen to fund a student at the Bionics Institute because it is known for fast translation of research into the clinic to improve the lives of people living with challenging health conditions.
Peter says: “The Bionics Institute is unique because their researchers are experts in the use of bioengineering to find solutions to health issues. I look forward to seeing the results of research into fighting memory loss in Alzheimer’s undertaken by our Griffin Swann PhD Scholarship recipient.”
Thank you to our kind and compassionate supporters who, like Peter and Terry, were moved to donate to our appeal in June to support PhD student scholarships. Your generous gifts will help high achieving students undertake PhD research into conditions such as hearing loss, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain which, without your support, would not be possible.
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Thank you to our generous donors who have made possible the commencement of our Alzheimer’s treatment trial.
Professor Kate Hoy and her team are now able to recruit over 100 participants to trial a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment – called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation – that shows promise in the fight against memory loss.
Interest in the trial has been significant, with over 850 people expressing interest and potential participants undergoing rigorous assessments to ensure suitability, including a referral letter from their treating doctor.
The trial aims to establish how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can restore dysfunctional connections in the brain using a personalised approach, with the aim of improving brain function and fighting memory loss in Alzheimer’s.
The treatment involves scans of the brain to establish the exact locations requiring stimulation, which is provided 5 days a week for 6 weeks, then weekly for a further 6 weeks.
We urgently need funding to expand this trial across the country and help researchers turn this treatment into reality. Your generosity will give hope to people living with the distress of Alzheimer’s disease.
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The Bionics Institute has bold plans for expansion to speed up the development of medical devices that transform the way we treat disease.
And our team of world scientists, engineers and clinicians need world class facilities to carry out their ground-breaking research into Alzheimer’s, arthritis, hearing loss, tinnitus and chronic pain.
From 2025, the Bionics Institute will be headquartered in the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) – Australia’s first hospital-based biomedical engineering research centre, currently under construction at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
One of eight independent partners sharing the new building, the Bionics Institute will benefit from co-location and collaboration with leading universities, research institutes and major industry partners.
In addition, our position on the campus of a leading tertiary hospital means we will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with the clinicians and specialists who guide and inform device development to meet clinical needs.
ACMD Partners
Benefits of being an independent partner in the ACMD
Collaboration lies at the heart of the ACMD and Bionics Institute staff will be allocated space across three floors of the ACMD to enable better communication and innovative idea generation between partners. We will also have access to shared meeting rooms, a lecture theatre for research seminars and specialised research facilities.
Sharing running costs between eight partners will bring cost savings and our researchers will be able to access state-of-the-art equipment we would not be able to purchase as a single entity. For example, the ACMD will be equipped with a machine that is used to visualise and track bone and joint motion in 3D. This will give our researchers the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of bone implants with incredible accuracy.
Maintaining our existing laboratories
Research undertaken at the Bionics Institute is very specialised and we lead the world in the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of medical devices before they are trialled in humans. For this reason, we will maintain our laboratories within the St Vincent’s campus, which are just five-minute walk away from the new building.
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The Bionics Institute 2023 Open House event was a resounding success, with over 100 people visiting on Wednesday 16 August to take part in tours of our laboratory and hear from our researchers, engineers and scientists about their work.
We ran six tours throughout the day, providing opportunity for students, supporters, industry connections and fellow med tech innovators to learn more about the impact of our research.
We were thrilled to be able to offer hands-on experiences under the guidance of our lab team, and showcase projects including our Alzheimer’s research, hearing therapeutics, vagus nerve research as well as provide insight into our engineering capabilities.
Held as part of National Science Week, we’re proud that this ‘Inspiring Australia’ initiative was supported by a National Science Week grant from the Australian Government.
Tours covered research and initiatives such as:
Using magnetic stimulation to fight memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease
A test for tinnitus that lays the groundwork for new treatments
A new hearing test that will give babies the best chance of hearing clearly and learning to speak
Using nanotechnology to restore age-related hearing loss.
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Bionics Institute PhD Student Ishara Paranawithana was selected as the geographical finalist for the Asia- Pacific region as part of the highly regarded IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference (EMBC) 2023 Student Paper Competition.
Ishara was one of the 15 finalists in the Student Paper Competition, which was part of the recently concluded 45th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society in Sydney.
Ishara is part of the Bionics Institute’s hearing research team, supervised by Professor Colette McKay, and was humble in his response to being named as the finalist for the Asia-Pacific region.
“It was an absolute honor and privilege to be selected as the geographic finalist for the Asia-Pacific region in the student paper competition.
“I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of this incredibly rewarding journey including my supervisors and colleagues at the Bionics Institute and Monash University.”
The Bionics Institue was well represented at the EMBC 2023 , with this international event providing an opportunity for our world leading researchers to meet with international colleagues, discuss up-to-the-minute research findings and foster potential trans-continental partnerships.
“After years of Covid disruptions, it was great to attend the flagship conference in the field of biomedical engineering and present my work as a PhD student at arguably the biggest stage for any biomedical researcher.
“The firsthand experience of hearing about the latest developments from the experts in the field and to be able to connect with fellow students and peers around the world were the highlights of the conference for me.”
The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Engineering Better and More Resilient Healthcare for All’, a reflection of how COVID-19 highlighted fragilities in global healthcare systems and responses.
Bionics Institute PhD student Ishara Parnawithana (4th from right) receives his recognition at the 45th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society in Sydney, 2023.
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We are delighted to welcome four new members to the Bionics Institute Board of Directors.
Jennifer Dicker, Michael Coleman, Maureen O’Keefe and Professor Sandra Kentish join our dedicated board at a time of rapid growth for the Bionics Institute.
Chair of the Board, Mr John Stanhope extended a warm welcome to the new board members, saying: “The Bionics Institute will benefit enormously from the wealth of expertise and business experience our new Board Directors bring. We look forward to working with them to continue building the Bionics Institute’s reputation as a world leader in medical device development.”
Professor Sandra Kentish
Professor Sandra Kentish is a a Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor at The University of Melbourne (UoM).
A distinguished academic and accomplished chemical engineer, Sandra is currently a Project Leader within the ARC Hub for Digital Bioprocess Development, the Dairy Innovation Research Hub, and within the Future Fuels CRC.
Sandra has previously held positions at the UoM including Head of the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and Discipline Leader in the CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies for Membrane Technology.
Driven by academic excellence and innovation, Sandra was named one of Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers by Engineers Australia in 2017 and as a Woman of Influence by the Australian Financial Review in 2018.
Michael Coleman
Michael Coleman FCA, FCPA, FAICD retired as a partner of KPMG in 2011, following a 40-year career, 30 of which were as partner. In his role as partner, Michael was the lead signing partner on major audit clients and a member of the National Executive.
Michael has demonstrated extensive governance and strategic leadership abilities throughout his career, having also previously held positions including Chair of the Board Audit Committee at Macquarie Bank, NSW Councillor and Chair of the Reporting Committee of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and member of the Audit Committee of the Reserve Bank Australia.
Jennifer Dicker
Jennifer Dicker is currently Chair of the Steritech Pty Ltd Advisory Board, a position she has held since 2015.
With a background in finance and accounting, Jennifer has been instrumental in the growth of her family-owned business, Steritech; seeing it become one of the most prominent sterilisation and decontamination processing companies in the Asia Pacific region.
Jennifer is also a passionate organ transplant advocate, having been a recipient herself. She proudly served as a ‘Fit For Life!’ ambassador with the World Transplant Games Federation, an initiative supporting fellow transplant recipients to live a full and active life.
Maureen O’Keefe
Maureen O’Keefe is an accomplished executive and board director, with over thirty years of experience in designing and delivering strategic solutions to financial, risk and operational challenges.
She has previously held research and executive management roles at the University of Melbourne, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Australian College of Optometry, National Vision Research Institute, and Vision 2020 Australia.
Outside of her professional achievements, Maureen is known for her commitment to social causes. She has been a Board Director/member of various charitable initiatives aimed at education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability including Very Special Kids, BioMelbourne Network, and the Victorian Consultative Council for Clinical Trial Research.
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Showcasing our research and providing hands-on activities in a world-class laboratory
The Bionics Institute Open House on 16 August 2023 provided opportunity for the community to learn more about how our researchers are solving medical challenges with technology.
Our research leaders guided guests through our world-class laboratory and shared details of the innovative devices and therapies they’re developing.
Visitors also had an opportunity to ask questions about their research projects and the impact of their work.
Tours lasted approximately 1.5 hours, starting at the Bionics Institute (384-388 Albert Street East Melbourne) and visiting our laboratory at St Vincent’s Hospital.
About the Open House tours
Tour location
Start: Bionics Institute, Mollison House – 384-388 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC.
Finish: Daly Wing, St Vincent’s Hospital campus – 35 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC.
Tour times and duration
11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3.30pm.
Each tour lasted approximately 1.5 hours
Tour content
Activities and information on each tour varied. See below for further information.
COVID requirements
As tours will be conducted within the St Vincent’s Hospital premises, visitors were required to follow any COVID protocols in place by the hospital.
National Science Week
The Bionics Institute Open House was held during National Science Week (12-20 August). We are proud to have been awarded a National Science Week grant from the Australian Government to support our event.
Tours covered research and initiatives such as:
Using magnetic stimulation to fight memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease
A test for tinnitus that lays the groundwork for new treatments
A new hearing test that will give babies the best chance of hearing clearly and learning to speak
Using nanotechnology to restore age-related hearing loss.
Our Girls in STEM Mentoring Program, encouraging grade 10/11 students to pursue STEM subjects at university.
Our track record of fast research translation from concept into clinical reality.
Who attended
All members of the public were welcome to register for our Open House event, including:
– Students interested in completing a PhD
– Supporters of medical research interested in learning from our engineers and scientists
– High school students wanting to hear about STEM career opportunities
– Healthcare and tertiary education leaders
– Med tech and biotech industry members.
Learn more about the Bionics Institute
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The Bionics Institute has long been known as an innovation leader, and our CEO Robert Klupacs recently talked about our translational research on the Commercial Disco podcast.
Hosted by InnovationAus’ Editorial Director James Riley, the Commercial Disco podcast interviews corporate, academic and political leaders about what’s driving the transformation of Australia’s economy, and what’s needed to bring great innovation to life.
In this episode, Robert talks about how the Bionics Institute’s close proximity to clinical collaborators in the St Vincent’s Hospital precinct, plus affiliations with the University of Melbourne and the Eye and Ear Hospital, fosters powerful and creative collaborations.
“Because there’s that constant bumping together of problem solvers – engineers – with clinicians that have just come out of surgery or the clinic saying: ‘hey, I’ve got this problem’, that’s the unusual feature that we have in our precinct.
“A lot of traditional medical research is done in a laboratory setting without too much clinician input and particularly the clinician being able to test what we make – that certainly doesn’t happen very often. But in our precinct, it does,” Robert explains.
Robert also delves into government funding of Australian innovation following establishment of the new National Reconstruction Fund and the Industry Growth Program as part of the recent federal budget announcements.
Welcoming that the government has recognised innovation as a growth driver of our country, he highlights that there are still some issues to be addressed in current funding models.
“We have a lot of support for the early discovery phase; we have burgeoning support now for ones that have come out the other side and the manufacturing of these things. But that middle ground, that very high-value adding ‘Valley of Death’ … there’s actually quite limited support from government for.”
Robert says that once concepts have moved from ideation stage into the development phase, there are significant financial barriers to having a product validated and to the cusp of clinical evaluation.
“That’s the challenge we identified in [the Bionics Institute] White Paper. My team calls it the ‘Valley of opportunity’, many other people call it the ‘Valley of Death’: how do you take a concept through that bridge to make it investor ready? It’s high risk but that’s where the value is actually generated.”