MDPP Director awarded SA Scientist of the Year  

Congratulations to MDPP Director, Professor Karen Reynolds, who was awarded South Australian Scientist of the Year for 2012.

For the full article, click here.

This is a fantastic achievement and adds to an already successful year, after being named one of Australia's top 100 most influential engineers by Engineers Australia magazine. 

  

MDPP creates new touch screen vision therapy software

Research and development by Flinders University's Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) has resulted in a new touch screen therapy and assessment product for Adelaide-based vision rehabilitation company Neuro Vision Technology (NVT) Systems.

The innovative vision therapy tool will be used to evaluate and train people with a vision deficit caused by a brain injury or dysfunction.

To view the full release, click here.

To view the coverage by ABC News, click here. 

Steering to Success

The MDPP is very pleased to announce the establishment of our new Steering Committee. This committee will support the expansion of the MDPP and contribute to strategies to establish and attract funding for a national Medical Device Partnering Program.

Members of the Steering Committee include:

• Prof Leanna Read (Chair)
• Prof Don Bursill (Chief Scientist, South Australia)
• Dr Anna Lavelle (Chief Executive Officer, AusBiotech)
• Prof Ross McKinnon (Research Director, Flinders Centre for Cancer Prevention and Control)
• Mr Len Piro (Executive Director, Manufacturing & Innovation, Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources & Energy, Government of South Australia) 
• Prof Göran Roos (previous Adelaide Thinker in Residence, Manufacturing residency)
• Prof Greg Tegart (Chair, Health & Technology Forum, Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering [ATSE])
• Prof Karen Reynolds (Director, Medical Device Research Institute, Flinders University)

This group will provide valuable insight and experiences, as we build on our already successful program, bridging research and industry, and realising economic and health benefits for the nation.     

Welcome to our new Innovations Manager

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome back Mr Darius Chapman as our new Innovations Manager. Some of you may remember Darius from his time with us in 2010. Darius is working with us on a part-time basis and will liaise with MDPP stakeholders (such as potential clients, researchers, clinicians, industry contacts) as the point of contact for new enquiries into the program. If you have an idea for a new medical device or need product evaluation and development, contact Darius today on 0498 247 000.

Brief background to Darius
Darius graduated from Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2007. His research interests are in electrophysiology (specifically cardiac electrophysiology). Previously, Darius worked for St Jude Medical in a number of different positions such as Field Technician, Clinical Expert and Territory Manager.   

 

July 2012

Four MDRI members finalists in SA Science Excellence Awards

Four members of the Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) have been recognised as finalists in their fields for the 2012 SA Science Excellence Awards, including Professor Karen Reynolds as SA Scientist of the Year. The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 17 August.

Congratulations to;

Prof Karen Reynolds - SA Scientist of the Year category

Dr Paul Gardner-Stephen - Early Career STEM Professional - Natural and Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics category

Mr David Hobbs - Early Career STEM Educator - Tertiary Teaching category

Dr Simon Williams - Early Career STEM Educator - Tertiary Teaching category

Click here for more information.

 

22 June 2012

Engineer in top 100 for influence

Professor Karen Reynolds has been named among Australia's 100 most influential engineers by Engineers Australiamagazine. 

For the full story, click here.  

  

9 May 2012

Support for SME companies

This MDPP breakfast event showcased a range of opportunities available for SMEs to cash in on innovation.  Guest speakers for the breakfast forum included:

• Allison Hayes, Manager Training & Innovation at NVT Systems, who explained how the MDPP developed new products and a competitive edge for their company
• David Scown, Director of Manufacturing at Jurlique, who spoke about Jurlique's experience with the Enterprise Connect Researcher in Business program
• Alex Demetriou, Senior Manager at KPMG, who spoke about the significant tax incentives available to eligible companies.

  

18 April 2012

Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) officially launched

The Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) was officially launched by Flinders University Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber, at a small member event held on Wednesday 18th April 2012.  The launch also included guest presenter, Dr John Arkwright, 2011 Eureka Prize winner from CSIRO.

The MDRI is a uniquely multi-disciplinary research institute, encouraging projects that have a common focus on delivering benefit through the application of various technologies to the medical and allied health sectors. The Institute's collaborative approach allows for the development and delivery of innovative solutions and services.  

6 March 2012

Postpartum trials for new ultrasound device

An Adelaide ultrasound device is set to reduce invasive treatments for women after childbirth, thanks  to a collaboration arranged by the Flinders University-based Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP).

For full article, please refer to the press release on Flinders Indaily .