2nd MS&E Biomedical & Health Mini-Symposium

Success of the School's Biomedical & Health (B&H) Research Theme Team's second one-day mini symposium, which took place last Thursday. It was fantastic to see the participation of 50+ students, staff, and esteemed external speakers who engaged in presentations and poster events throughout the day. Additionally, networking opportunities were provided during morning tea, lunch break, afternoon tea, and a poster session, allowing students and research staff to connect.

The aim of this year’s symposium was to provide our higher degree research (HDR) students and early career researchers (ECRs) with insights into B&H materials research in clinics and industries in Sydney, as well as the tools for imaging, analysis, and commercialisation of this research. Furthermore, it aimed to showcase the work of our ECRs and HDR students through oral and poster sessions.

The day began with a very nice symposium opening address by Ms Vina Putra, the Chair of the B&H Organising Committee, followed by a brief overview of the School's research by myself. A plenary address by A/Prof. Kris Kilian on the research in the B&H theme set the stage for various plenary and keynote presentations from our invited external speakers. Their talks revolved around the integration of materials research with clinics and industries. These presentations were interspersed with HDR and ECR presentations and poster session, and a panel discussion featuring Dr. Tushar Kumeria, Dr. Joanneke Maitz, Prof. Kalantar Zadeh, Dr. Utama, and Dr. Pandzic (their affiliations are listed below). Dr. Sylvia Ganda, a member of the B&H Organizing Committee, provided insightful introductions for each speaker.

We extend gratitude to the following external speakers for taking the time to participate in the symposium, providing exceptional overviews of their work, and offering advice and guidance to our emerging researchers:

• Dr. Joanneke Maitz (Group Lead - Burns & Reconstructive Surgery Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital)
• Prof. Koroush Kalantar Zadeh (Head of School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney)
• Dr. Robert Utama (Lead Product Manager at Inventia Life Science)
• Dr. Elvis Pandzic (Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, UNSW)
• Dr. Joseph Po (Health 10x Program Manager, UNSW Founders)

Thanks to all members of the B&H Organising Committee for their exceptional organisational skills in preparation for and during the event:

• Vina Putra (MS&E) (General Chair) (supervised by Kris Kilian)
• Ayad Saeed (MS&E) (Program Committee) (supervised by Tushar Kumeria)
• Ganesh Kokil (MS&E) (Finance and Program Chair) (supervised by Tushar Kumeria)
• Prakiti Siwakoti (MS&E) (Program Committee) (supervised by Tushar Kumeria)
• Sylvia Ganda (Chemistry) (Program Chair) (supervised by Kris Kilian)
• Giulia Silvani (MS&E) (Official Photographer) (supervised by Kris Kilian)

Finally, congratulations to the following winners of the HDR and ECR presentations!

• Oral presentation: Rakib Sheikh (Chem Eng – Prof. Peter Wich)
• Poster presentation: Kang Lin (MS&E – Prof. Kris Kilian)

Once again, thanks to all attendees for making the 2nd B&H Symposium another resounding success, especially our HDRs and ECRs who showcased their research through oral or poster presentations. We eagerly look forward to participating in future events!