Biomedical engineering project attracts $5 million investment
A private Australian investor will back biomedical engineering research at the University of Queensland with funding of $4.7 million over two years.
The investor has been attracted by advanced engineering designs for magnetic resonance systems produced by researchers at the University's Centre for Magnetic Resonance.
At the same time, the University has introduced a biomedical engineering minor degree program in its Bachelor of Engineering course, ensuring a continuing pipeline of new talent to work in the expanding field.
Centre director Professor David Doddrell said his research group had developed and patented innovative techniques to enhance image quality and reduce distortion in magnetic resonance over the past eight years.
Centre researchers are responsible for technologies incorporated in 70 percent of recently installed magnetic resonance systems produced in the international $3 billion annual market.
"Magnetic resonance (MR) is growing rapidly as an analytical and diagnostic tool across a wide range of industries and application areas," Professor Doddrell said.
"The MR industry is currently looking for innovative new MR systems to satisfy the growing demand from the medical pharmaceutical, analytical and research communities.
"Given that there has only been 15 years of commercial development in the medical MR field, there is considerable scope for future development. This is punctuated by the dramatic increases in sales of MR systems over the past two years due to engineering breakthroughs in the field."
Principal researchers on the project are Dr Stuart Crozier and Professor Doddrell of the CMR and Professor Larry Forbes of the University's Mathematics Department.
Dr Crozier said research areas for the project included new superconducting magnet designs which aimed to reduce the perception of claustrophobia experienced by patients, and also improved attending physician access. CMR researchers are currently patenting an innovative new design in this area.
Other areas of specialisation will include advanced imaging and spectroscopy accessories such as radiofrequency probes and pulsed magnetic field gradients.
Technology manager for the project Ian Crebbin of the University's technology transfer company UniQuest Pty Ltd said a new spinoff company, Flux Industries Pty Ltd, had been established to manage the project.
"This project will enhance the biomedical engineering program being trialled at the University," Dr Crozier said. "The interdisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering its one of its great drawcards, where engineers and scientists can use their skills to improve medical technology and our understanding of biological processes," he said.
Professor Forbes said the successful funding of the project was an indication of the commercial relevance of applied mathematics research and its implications for the community.
Further information: Dr Stuart Crozier, telephone 07 3365 7098, email: stuart.crozier@cmr.uq.edu.au
