18 April 2012
MDRI launch and member event
The Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) was formally launched by Flinders University Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber, at a small member event held Wednesday 18th April. The launch also included guest presenter, Dr. John Arkwright, 2011 Eureka Prize winner from CSIRO.
New Strategic Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Professor Mark Taylor said it is fantastic to join this well recognised and growing Institute. "As a member of the Institute I am able to benefit from cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional networking and collaboration opportunities". Operating in close vicinity to FMC and the Repatriation General Hospital, there are also opportunities to gain greater access to clinicians and end-users. "At the end of the day it means my research will benefit from the expertise of others in related areas, links to researchers in other institutions, and access to clinicians and end-users for clinical trials etc".
Research within the Institute includes (but is not limited to); Assistive Technology & Rehabilitation Engineering, Biomechanics & Implants, Biomedical Computational Modeling, Devices Sensors & Signals, Health Informatics, Medical Image Analysis, and Medical Simulation.
The Nationally recognised and award-winning Medical Device Partnering Program is an example of one program that falls within the MDRI. This unique program facilitates the development of medical devices and associated technologies by bringing together relevant researchers, clinicians, end-users and companies.
For more information about the capabilities and equipment available within the Institute, please contact Carmela Sergi at mdri@flinders.edu.au
March 2012
New Strategic Professor in Biomedical Engineering
The Medical Device Research Institute is pleased to welcome Professor Mark Taylor to Flinders University. Professor Taylor has been recently appointed as a Strategic Professor in Biomedical Engineering within the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics.
Professor Taylor has over 20 years experience in the field of orthopaedic biomechanics and has spent time in both academia and industry. After completing his PhD in orthopaedic biomechanics, he spent a short period working for Finsbury Orthopaedics. In 1998, he took up an academic appointment with the School of Engineering Sciences, at the University of Southampton, UK. Whilst at Southampton, he was responsible for the formation and growth of the Bioengineering Sciences Research Group.
Professor Taylor's main area of expertise is using computational modelling to assess the performance of total joint replacements. The majority of his work has focussed on developing tools to help assess the performance of existing and new designs of hip and new replacements. In particular, he has focussed on developing methods for assessing the influence of patient and surgical variability.
More recently, he has begun to explore using these tools for surgeon training and potentially for decision support to help plan joint replacement operations. In addition, he is interested in exploring how pain and function is affected by joint replacement, as many patients complain that these do not necessarily improve following surgery.
Hexapod Robot features on children's program, SCOPE
Flinders University's Hexapod Robot featured on national children's science show, SCOPE. Produced by Network Ten, with the co-operation of the CSIRO, the episode dedicated to modelling explores the fun side of science and technology and is aimed at children aged between 8-14 years.
MDRI's own, Dr John Costi (Senior Lecturer, Biomechanics Research in School of CSEM) explains how the hexapod is used for biomechanical testing.
To view this SCOPE episode, please visit the Network Ten website.
New video games trialled for Cerebral Palsy
FMC Foundation (2 February 2012)
Flinders University researchers are seeking children with cerebral palsy (CP) to take part in a ground-breaking new trial which may see hand function improved by playing special video games.
For the full story, please visit the FMC Foundation website.
If you would like more information about the trial, please contact MDRI member and lead researcher, David Hobbs on 8201 3167 or david.hobbs@flinders.edu.au.
FMDAT formally recognised as a University Institute
We are very pleased to announce that we are now called The Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI).
The name, Flinders Medical Devices & Technologies (FMDAT) has been discontinued.
Karen Reynolds elected as Fellow of ATSE
Professor Karen Reynolds has been elected as a 2011 Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).
"It is an enormous honour to be recognised in this way by my peers", said Professor Reynolds.
This recognition follows a number of other recent achievements by Professor Reynolds, who was also last year's Australian Professional Engineer of the Year.
For more information, please refer to an article in The Australian
Professor Michael Bull finalist for Scientist of the Year
FMDAT associate member, Professor Michael Bull has been named as one of the four finalists for the title of Scientist of the Year in the South Australian Science Excellence Awards.
This is a fantastic achievement and is due recognition for an outstanding career which spans more than three decades.
The South Australian Science Excellence Awards' Scientist of the Year recognises those who have demonstrated excellence in a field of science or technology and who have made a major contribution of national and international standing in their field of research.
More than just fun and games
Indaily, October 6 2011
Computer games can produce hours of endless fun, but for children with physical disabilities the simple joystick could significantly improve their everyday lives.
The previously unexplored benefits of using 'haptic' gaming to restore tactile sensory loss - specifically in the hands of children with cerebral palsy - is the focus of a world-first study led by researchers at Flinders University.
For more information, refer to the full article on Indaily.
2011
2010
