Body of work: How science is overcoming human frailties

Every time a patient receives a surgical implant, a gamble is involved: will the dice roll rejection or acceptance? Behnam explores a new way of rigging the dice in the patient’s favour, using a gas-like substance, called plasma!

Dr Behnam Akhavan, recognized as one of Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers, is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. He creates plasma-engineered materials for bone implants, artificial blood vessels, and nerves.

Qingqing Fan is working on developing sensors for neurodegenerative biomarkers. These biomarkers are useful not only for diagnosis but also to assist with the development of therapies. Neurodegenerative disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide with complex and time-consuming diagnostic processes. Qingqing's research aims to develop a simple and rapid point-of care clinical tool for its detection.

Detecting pain in babies is a complicated but necessary aspect of care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Since not all babies cry when they're in pain which means they may not be comforted when needed.

Emre is a physiotherapist, academic and an early career researcher at Macquarie University. His interests include pain in vulnerable populations, especially newborn babies.