In this podcast, researchers from the UWA BioZone explain how they are working to solve complex problems through convergent research. This transformative approach has the potential to help accelerate innovation and tackle societal challenges. For example, the convergence between engineering and biotechnology has resulted in innovations in 3-D printing and medicine, where customised medical implants can be built on demand.

This approach moves beyond the practices of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and even transdisciplinary research; integrating tools and knowledge from the life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, humanities and other fields. Moreover, it involves a commitment to translate research through enterprise and community engagement.

Find out more about the UWA Biozone - http://www.science.uwa.edu.au/research/biozone

Event Moderator

Associate Professor Kevin PflegerHarry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Head of Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology

Kevin has received numerous awards for his scientific research and leadership including a Eureka Prize in 2011, an NHMRC Research Excellence Award in 2014 and most recently the 2016 Novartis Prize of the British Pharmacological Society. As Chief Scientific Advisor of Dimerix Limited, an ASX-listed UWA spin-out company, Kevin works on commercialising technologies researched and invented in his lab. As the President of the UWA Researchers’ Association, Kevin leads a team of volunteers who advocate on behalf of research staff within UWA.

The panel

Associate Professor Jane PillowUWA School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology

Jane is CIA and Co-Director of an NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Founding Director of the UWA Preclinical Intensive Care Research Unit (PICRU), an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow and a Consultant Neonatologist. She is internationally renowned for her clinical and basic science research improving outcomes of preterm infants through development and enhanced understanding of novel approaches to mechanical ventilation and postnatal care. Jane’s research activities include extensive collaboration with biomedical engineers and basic scientists.

Dr Brendan KennedyHead of BRITElab, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research; Senior Research Fellow, School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, UWA.

Brendan and his team at the Bioimaging Research and Innovation for Translational Engineering Laboratory (BRITElab) is working on novel, high resolution medical imaging techniques to improve diagnosis and treatment of a number of diseases and conditions. In particular, he is developing optical elastography, a technique that differentiates tissue based of its stiffness. The goal of this work is to improve the surgeon’s ability to remove breast tumours during surgery.

Dr Jenny Rodger UWA School of Animal Biology

Jenny is a Senior Research Fellow in the Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences division of the School of Animal Biology, researching ways to stimulate brain activity to treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, depression and schizophrenia, while reducing effects on normal brain activity.