In a testament to the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Joint Biomechanic’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders, we are proud to highlight the outstanding achievements of Dr. Maxence Lavaill, Mr. Luka Bai, Dr. Marco Branni, and Miss Natalia Muhl Castoldi. These exceptional individuals have not only excelled academically but have seamlessly transitioned into impactful roles within the medtech and academic industry, transforming the orthopaedic landscape in Australasia.

Our mission at the centre is clear – to empower, train, and mentor emerging leaders who will drive innovation in the orthopaedic industry. Through strategic partnerships with industry giants such as Logemas, Materialise, Zimmer Biomet, Australian Biotechnologies, and Stryker, we offer placement and training opportunities that bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Dr. Marco Branni, a shining example of our success, has recently been hired as a biomechanical engineer at Akunah. His work focuses on revolutionizing pre-operative patient care algorithms, and he is actively involved in developing software products approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Dr. Maxence Lavaill, another standout achiever, has submitted an AQIRF grant with Stryker, with the outcome pending. The collaboration between academia and industry, particularly through initiatives like AQIRF and Advanced Queensland grants, is integral to building crucial industry ties and driving impactful research.

These successes extend to postdoctoral positions secured by Natalia and Max with Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Their academic journey has been enriched by a special training environment, including surgical observation facilitated by clinical partners Adj. Prof. Ashish Gupta and Dr. Kenneth Cutbush, in collaboration with partner institutions Greenslopes Private Hospital and St Andrews War Memorial Hospital. This unique exposure ensures that our students not only understand the industry intricacies but also empathize with patient needs, equipping them to solve the unique problems within the sector.

The centre takes immense pride in its 100% employability track record as it stands at the end of 2023, a testament to the quality of training and mentorship provided. As we celebrate these achievements, we remain committed to supporting our current and future PhD candidates, offering mentorship and unique training opportunities in 2024 and beyond. The success stories of Dr. Maxence Lavaill, Mr. Luka Bai, Dr. Marco Branni, and Miss Natalia Muhl Castoldi underscore our dedication to shaping leaders who will leave an indelible mark on the orthopaedic industry.