Australia’s first Bionics Institute will be a leader in neurobionic research, with the aim of developing devices for conditions such as epilepsy.

 

Speaking at the launch of the Bionics Institute last week, Director Professor Robert Shepherd said his Melbourne-based team at what was formerly the Bionic Ear Institute wanted to improve cochlear implants, develop a bionic eye and research neurobionics in order to treat patients with central nervous system disorders.

 

"We've come a long way as a bionics institute, 25 years-plus, we've learnt a lot on that journey and now we're applying it to other areas of medical bionics," he said.

 

The Bionics Institute will collaborate with the University of Melbourne, Bionic Vision Australia and commercialisation partners to produce new devices and help progress them to market.

 

Further information about the Institute is available http://www.bionicsinstitute.org