Our Research

Four interconnected research programs tackle the key challenges facing the advancement of personalised patient care in the upper limb.

Computer Modeling
and simulation

Computer models that accurately represent both individuals and patient groups and can be used for optimising the design of implants and clinical decision making for surgery and rehabilitation.

Robot-Assisted Testing
and Surgery

Advanced knowledge of shoulder function and medical device performance. Precision tools for the execution of planned surgical procedures using robotic and ultrasound technologies.

Tissue-Engineered
Scaffolds

Optimised and validated engineered scaffolds for rotator cuff repair. Improved understanding of fit-for-purpose rehabilitation protocols to enhance tissue repair.

In-vivo Joint
assessment

Improved understanding of upper limb movement to inform personalised rehabilitation. Clinically-relevant VR/AR and wearable technologies for joint assessment and rehabilitation.

Our Research impact

Our research enables surgeons to make better decisions about personalised surgical and rehabilitation treatment plans, improving functional outcomes for patients.

Knowledge & Understanding

The centre’s research improves our fundamental knowledge of the function of the upper limb and shoulder joint in healthy, diseased and post-surgery patients.

Surgical Planning & Techniques

Our research develops new techniques for the design, selection and performance assessments of different implants and procedures for each individual patient.

Advanced Technologies

We explore the application of ultrasound, robotic, wearable and virtual reality technologies for the precise execution of surgical treatment and rehabilitation plans. We contribute to improved optimisation of surgical devices for rotator repair and shoulder joint reconstruction.

CET Leader

Professor Kirsten Heimann

Flinders University

Connect, Educate & train (CET)

  • Create globally connected leaders
  • Build the future marine high tech workforce
  • Community of education and engagement
  • Drive innovation and investment in the sector
  • Connect and link partners across the supply chain

Intellectual Property and Commercialisation

The MB-CRC’s prime objective is to provide a cooperative platform to accelerate the translation of marine bioproduct discoveries and create an energetic and expansive bio-economy industry in Australia, through adoption of the MB-CRC’s IP, processes and candidate products.