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Materialise 3D Printing in Hospitals Forum

Materialise 3D Printing in Hospitals Forum: A Milestone for Medtech in Australia

1-2 August 2024, Brisbane Australia

On August 1, 2024, Materialise, with the assistance of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), hosted the inaugural 3D Printing in Hospitals Forum Australia, a landmark event showcasing the potential of 3D printing technology in the healthcare sector. This event attracted a diverse group of healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders dedicated to discussing challenges, solutions, and opportunities in the realm of medical 3D printing. 

The forum featured a rich program of sessions focused on critical topics, including major obstacles faced in the implementation of 3D printing in hospitals, strategies for managing regulatory compliance, and the integration of 3D printing across various medical specialties and departments. Participants engaged in vibrant discussions aimed at advancing the adoption of 3D printing and digital technologies at the point of care. 

Expert Speakers Share Insights

Among the distinguished speakers were renowned experts in the field, including: 

Dr. Michael Wagels, a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Princess Alexandra Hospital, who highlighted advancements in complex reconstructive surgery and the translational aspects of tissue engineering. 

Ishaque Khan, Director of Clinical Technology at Hunter New England Health District, who shared insights on quality improvement and sustainability programs in health technology. 

Dr. Masako Dunn, Head and Neck Cancer Research and Innovation Manager at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, discussed the multidisciplinary approach to cranio-maxillofacial surgery. 

Professors Jonathan Clarke and Stefanie Feih, who brought attention to the integration of research and clinical practice in head and neck cancer reconstruction and advanced design technologies, respectively. 

Dr. Ashish Gupta, an orthopaedic surgeon and CEO of Akunah, provided a glimpse into ‘Future Innovation in 3D Technology for Clinical Applications.’ 

These experts contributed their extensive knowledge and experience, addressing the current landscape and future possibilities for 3D printing in medical applications. 

A Commitment to Innovation

The event was made possible through the collaboration of the ARC Training Centre for Joint Biomechanics and industry partner Materialise, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering innovation in the medtech sector. Many thanks were extended to the organising team, including Monica Russell, Michael Mathews, and Susan Ong, as well as the AusPac Materialise team. 

As the forum concluded, attendees left with renewed inspiration and determination to drive advancements in 3D printing technology within their practices. The event established a foundation for a vibrant network of Point of Care Centres dedicated to delivering personalised healthcare solutions across Australia. 

Looking Ahead

The success of the 3D Printing in Hospitals Forum marks a significant step forward for the medtech industry in Australia. With the growing emphasis on innovation and collaboration, the future holds promising possibilities for enhancing patient care through 3D printing and digital technologies. Participants and organizers alike are optimistic about the ongoing evolution of these transformative technologies, paving the way for more effective and personalised treatment options in the healthcare system. 

Here’s to a bright future of an established network of innovative Point of Care Centres for impactful, personalised healthcare solutions in Australia! 

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Trailblazing at ESB 2024

Trailblazing at ESB 2024: Breakthroughs in Biomechanics Shine in Edinburgh!

29th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics 

30 June – 3 July 2024, Edinburgh, Scotland

We are excited to highlight the remarkable achievements of our research team who recently made a significant impact at the 2024 European Society of Biomechanics (ESB) Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Spotlight on our Presenters:

Dr. Maxence Lavaill delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Novel Geodesic Model for the Computation of Muscle Paths in Musculoskeletal Models.” His innovative model offers fresh insight into muscle path computation, promising to impact both healthy and pathological conditions.

Mr. François Bruyer-Montéléone captivated the audience with his research on “Beyond Bone Shapes: Unveiling the potential of Statistical Pose Models in Shoulder Analysis.” His groundbreaking work utilises statistical models to deepen our understanding of shoulder biomechanics.

Dr. Natalia Mühl Castoldi presented her study on “Cortical Bone Density Distribution Using a Discrete BMU Remodelling Model.” Her research enhances our comprehension of bone density and remodelling processes, contributing significantly to bone health.

Conference Highlights:

ESBiomech 2024 focused on “Biomechanics from Research to Practice,” emphasising the critical dialogue and collaboration between biomechanics experts and clinical professionals. The scientific program featured keynote speakers, podium and poster sessions, and showcased the latest developments across all branches of biomechanics.

Our team engaged deeply in the rich scientific agenda and participated in various traditional ESB sessions and activities, including interactive and mentoring sessions, student activities, and networking events. These sessions provided invaluable opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Our team attended the session on Musculoskeletal Biomechanics II: Upper Extremity, chaired by Angela Elizabeth Kedgley and Sara Checa Esteban. They also participated in the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics III: Musculoskeletal Modelling Whole Body I, chaired by Darshan Sunil Shah and Bryce Adrian Killen. These sessions provided a rich platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Looking Ahead:

At our Centre, we are actively developing a highly sophisticated model of the shoulder. Musculoskeletal modelling plays a pivotal role in understanding both healthy and pathological shoulder function. By improving upper limb orthopaedics and biomechanics, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

We are excited about the future and the continued impact of our research. We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team for their exceptional contributions and enthusiasm. Together, we push the boundaries of biomechanics research and practice.

We look forward to the next opportunities for collaboration and discovery. Thank you for celebrating our achievements with us!

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Insights from ISEK 2024

Insights from ISEK 2024: Advancements in Upper Limb Research

26 – 29 June 2024 | Nagoya, Japan 

The International Society of Electrophysiology & Kinesiology (ISEK) Conference held from June 26 to 29, 2024, served as a significant platform for the Centre’s Program 4 team, dedicated to In Vivo Assessment of Upper Limb Movements, Physiology, and Rehabilitation. The delegation made a notable impact, showcasing groundbreaking research that highlights advancements in understanding upper limb movements and rehabilitation techniques. 

Highlighting Groundbreaking Research

Dr. Wolbert van den Hoorn presented his influential work on Motor Neuron Synergies of the Deltoid Muscle, which uncovers hidden patterns and synergies in human movement. His research offers valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying upper limb functionality, paving the way for improved rehabilitation strategies. 

The program’s PhD students also made significant contributions, demonstrating their research excellence at the conference. Yuyao (Amy) Ma, based at The University of Queensland, was recognised as the runner-up for the Best HDR Presentation award, a testament to her impactful research and presentation skills.

PhD Student Contributions

The conference featured impressive poster presentations from two other PhD students: 

Mr. Giacomo Nardese focused on Deltoid Muscle and Cortical Complexity. His task-based analysis revealed intricate cortical patterns essential for tailoring rehabilitation interventions to individual needs. 

Mr. Arthur Fabre presented a poster on A Standardised Inertial Measurement Units-based Method for Upper Limb and Shoulder Kinematics Assessment. His research emphasises the importance of precise assessment techniques in understanding upper limb dynamics. 

Celebrating Achievements

The success of the delegation at ISEK 2024 not only highlights the innovative research being conducted within Program 4 but also underscores the commitment to advancing knowledge in biomechanics and rehabilitation. The program’s emphasis on collaboration and excellence continues to inspire its members to push the boundaries of research and clinical practice. 

“We are incredibly proud of our team’s achievements at ISEK 2024,” said a representative from the Centre. “Their hard work and dedication to understanding upper limb physiology will undoubtedly contribute to significant advancements in rehabilitation techniques.” 

As the delegates return from Nagoya, they bring back valuable insights and connections that will further enrich their ongoing research and collaboration efforts, reinforcing the Centre’s position at the forefront of biomechanics and rehabilitation science. 

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Empowering the Future: Centre Retreat

Empowering the future: Highlights from the 2024 Centre wide retreat

15 – 16 February 2024, Marcoola

We are thrilled to share the exciting highlights from our 2024 Centre Wide Retreat, held on February 15th and 16th in the picturesque setting of Marcoola. This annual event was a dynamic opportunity for our chief investigators, students, and staff to come together, refine their skills, and shape the future direction of the ARC Training Centre for Joint Biomechanics.

Day 1: Igniting Innovation and Strategic Vision

The retreat kicked off with an inspiring series of updates from our Centre’s leadership. Director Prof. Yuantong Gu, along with Program Leads Prof. Peter Pivonka, A/Prof. Saulo Martelli, Prof. Lisbeth Grondahl, and Prof. Graham Kerr, delivered compelling presentations that highlighted the impressive progress and achievements within the Centre. Their insights not only showcased the fantastic work being done but also set the stage for the exciting developments ahead.

We were then honoured to host Prof. Shaun Gregory, Director of the Centre for Biomedical Technologies at QUT. Prof. Gregory led a session on developing impact pathways for our Centre, revealing strategic approaches that align with our ambitious goals and future aspirations. His expertise provided our team with a clear roadmap for maximizing our impact and achieving our vision.

Day 2: Cultivating Talent and fostering collaboration

The second day of the retreat was filled with productive discussions and collaborative sessions. Prof. Yuantong Gu provided essential training for our Early Career Researchers (ECRs), focusing on fellowships and grant applications. This session was crucial in equipping our emerging researchers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their academic careers.

Meanwhile, Centre Manager Rosalee Armitage engaged with our PhD students to brainstorm ideas for developing their skillsets and enhancing their overall experience. The students participated in a creative exercise where they envisioned being “Director for a day” and pitched their innovative ideas to the team. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives were truly inspiring.

Deputy Director Prof. Peter Pivonka facilitated discussions among our Chief and Partner Investigators (CIs and PIs) to explore inter-program collaboration and set ambitious goals for their programs. These discussions laid the groundwork for future collaborations and strategic planning, promising exciting developments for our Centre.

Overall, the 2024 Retreat was a tremendous success, brimming with valuable insights, innovative ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. We are excited to transform these discussions into actionable strategies that will drive the future of our Centre and continue to advance the field of joint biomechanics.

Stay tuned for more updates as we implement these plans and continue to shape the future of our Centre!