Centre to train new generation of specialists designing personalised implant technologies

In a new evolution of personalised medicine, world-leading specialist biomedical engineers, scientists and clinicians will come together to develop individually tailored orthopaedic and maxillofacial implants, following the launch of the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies (CMIT ARC) today.

Centre Director Peter Lee from Melbourne School of Engineering said CMIT would bring together PhD and early career researchers with industry and government, to support translation of research into new products, processes and solutions.

“The CMIT ARC training centre will equip a new generation of engineers to work with clinicians, to have a good understanding of regulations and gain experience in entrepreneurship and innovation,” Professor Lee said.

“Compared to other Australian industry, med-tech is young, so the opportunity for research and development is great. CMIT is one of the largest partnerships of industry, hospitals and universities; an ideal environment for training.”

Led by the University of Melbourne, CMIT draws on the expertise from Flinders University, Griffith University and Epworth Healthcare. There are a further 18 CMIT partners from industry, academia, hospitals and government sectors.

University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Jim McCluskey said the centre’s work would enhance the entire process of implant production, from early in the design process all the way through to trials.

“Vital to the success of biomedical engineering is an inter-disciplinary approach that draws from engineering, medicine, life sciences, physical sciences and a range of other disciplines. So too is engagement with clinical and industry partners,” Professor McCluskey said.

CMIT will provide a robust training environment for interdisciplinary engineers to develop and evaluate personalised implants so as to improve patient outcomes following surgery.

“International collaborations and a generation of industry-ready researchers are both critical to expand Australia’s medical implant industry,” Professor McCluskey said.

The centre will foster knowledge and develop technology for rigorous evaluation of pre-clinical testing methods while also training a new generation of engineers with a multidisciplinary research and development skills.

CMIT trainees will develop knowledge of international standards, ethics and regulatory requirements for the personalised implant industry.

CMIT is funded with thanks to the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program.