The University of Sydney today announced the launch of its new School of Biomedical Engineering, investing in the development of advanced biomedical technologies such as lab-grown organs, bionic eyes and implantable medical devices.

Becoming the sixth school within the Faculty of Engineering, the School has been established to facilitate collaborative research and teaching within the field of biomedical engineering, which combines a range of disciplines including medicine, engineering and life sciences.

Joining as the Head of School, Biomedical Engineering, Professor Gregg Suaning, said the Faculty’s focus will facilitate new collaborations, boost Australia‘s healthcare sector and place the University in a leading position within the surging global biomedical market.

“Australia is at the forefront of biomedical engineering and it’s essential that we invest in research and technology that will lead us to a new generation of medical therapies and cures,” said Professor Suaning, whose work has focused on developing a bionic eye for those living with blindness.

“The new School’s aim is to improve health outcomes by targeting diseases that currently do not have cures. We will achieve this through innovative biotechnologies focused on tissue and neural engineering, nanomaterials and by introducing novel approaches to overcome chronic disease,” he said.