New book from the ACES team launched to high praise from legendary scientist

Legendary Australian Scientist Professor Graeme Clark has praised a new book from pioneering researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science.

Speaking at the launch of Organic Bionics this week in Melbourne, Professor Clark commended the book for its unique approach to the subject.

“There is a need to apply the new science of bionics to medicine,” said Prof Clark.

“Organic Bionics actually brings bionics science together with the clinical outcomes, the applications.”

Associate Prof Robert Kapsa from St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, co-author of the book along with UOW’s Prof Gordon Wallace, A/Prof Simon Moulton and Dr Michael Higgins, said the book was actually inspired by Prof Clark.

“Graeme is the inspiration for the book. He is a bionics pioneer, having restored hearing to over 250,000 people worldwide with the Cochlear implant,” said Associate Prof Kapsa.

The first text of its kind, Organic Bionics focuses on the emerging interdisciplinary research area at the interface between materials science and biomedicine.  It delves into areas of application for bionic developments including advanced bionic ears, spinal cord repair, muscle repair, bionic eyes and infection control, as well as emerging applications including neuromuscular repair, epilepsy and pain management, and bone regrowth.

During the book launch, co-author Prof Gordon Wallace spoke of the importance the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science team places on working with collaborators including clinicians and end-users, to create a research model that works towards real applications and devices.

“This book is about excellence not only in science but in team building,” said Prof Wallace.

“It is about collaborators, mentors and inspirations we’ve encountered along the way.”

Invaluable reading for materials scientists, polymer chemists, electro-technicians, bioengineers, chemists, biologists and bioengineers, Organic Bionics is published by WILEY-VCH and available at wiley.com

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Pictured top from left: A/Prof Simon Moulton, Prof Gordon Wallace, Prof Graeme Clark at the book launch
Pictured below from left: Authors Dr Michael Higgins, Prof Gordon Wallace, A/Prof Rob Kapsa, A/Prof Simon Moulton