BIONIC CONNECTIONS

Autumn Edition 2012

From a bionic ear to a bionic era

on cochlear implants, hearing aids, and the development of spoken language in children with impaired hearing since 1979.

Peter is a co-inventor of over 20 patent and patent application families, many of which have been successfully commercialised. He invented a low power digital amplifier which is used in millions of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and Bluetooth headsets worldwide.

The aim of INNOVATION in AUSTRALIA was to bring together innovation experts and representatives from successful businesses covering a wide range of sectors – from resources and energy to biotechnology. The overall theme was the importance of embracing innovation as a means to drive job growth, international competitiveness, and ultimately a successful economy.

Senator Carr said, “Australia has a world-class research sector and we have always excelled at creating new ideas – but we need to do more and encourage innovation across the economy. This event demonstrates to customers the government support available and how businesses can access it.”

Medical Bionics showcased to 600Bionics Institute Deputy Director, Professor Peter Blamey, was one of a select number of expert speakers who presented at the INNOVATION in AUSTRALIA 2011 event hosted by the Federal Government last December.

Over 600 people attended the first national showcase in Brisbane, which was organised by the Federal Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

During his formal address, Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr said, “INNOVATION in AUSTRALIA showcases the kind of creative enterprise that is critical to our future as a dynamic, prosperous and outward-looking nation.”

Professor Blamey spoke on innovation and commercialisation in the field of medical bionics. He was ideally placed to describe biotechnology success stories having worked

www.bionicsinstitute.org

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Medical Bionics showcased to 600

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Director’s Message

In the News

Medical Bionics Department at The University of Melbourne

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Whitaker International Fellow joins the Institute

Neurobionics Research Funding Boost

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How have star crossed lovers supported the Bionics Institute?

Medical Bionics conference a huge hit

Awards to Bionics Institute researchers

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RESEARCH FEATURE: Our Bionic Vision

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Thank you Jack

Victorian Lions Foundation helps establish a Neurobionics Fellowship

This issue

professor peter Blamey

Director’s Message

Dear Friends, Research funding, future collaborations and the sharing of

ideas are the themes running through our new look newsletter, Bionic Connections.

I am delighted to see that the Institute has been successful in gaining funding towards a second Lions Foundation Research Fellow. A number of Lions Clubs in Victoria will begin fundraising for a Neurobionics Research Fellow this year with the program to run over five years. The appointment of the Fellow will provide the knowledge base for a quickly expanding neurobionics program at the Institute.

As someone who has provided sound advice to the Institute for nearly 16 years, I would like to thank Jack Smorgon AO for his valuable contribution to the Board, now that he is sadly retiring. Jack’s vast business experience, his impeccable network and his generosity will see him missed by all. Even though Jack has retired from the Board, his connection to the Institute will remain strong.

Being able to exchange ideas with colleagues from all over the world is one of my great pleasures, and the attendance of 170 people at the 2nd International Conference on Medical Bionics held at Phillip Island on November 2011 demonstrates that I’m not alone.

The diversity of approaches to similar topics, as well as the great variety of professional backgrounds always makes for great discussion and opens the opportunity for collaboration.

Professor Hugh McDermott, the Institute’s Deputy Director (Research), was recently elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his contributions to improved sound-processing techniques for cochlear implants and hearing aids. The IEEE is the world’s leading professional association for advancing technology for humanity.

Professor Graeme Clark, the Institute’s Founding Director, was awarded the prestigious Zotterman Prize last year at a ceremony in the Nobel Forum at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

On behalf of everyone at the Institute, I congratulate Hugh and Graeme on these wonderful achievements.

Let’s hope that 2012 begins as well as 2011 ended, and I hope you have had a great start to the year.

Kind regards,

Professor Rob ShepherdBionics Institute Director

Bionic Connections | Autumn 20122

In the NewsNews of our research reaches new heights.

Somewhere between Melbourne and Sydney, or possibly Adelaide and Cairns, more than 262,000 people were treated to a six page in-depth story about medical bionics in Australia, and in particular the Bionics Institute. In the November 2011 issue of Virgin Airlines’ in-flight magazine, Voyeur, the article “Man and machine: How bionic engineering is changing the way we live” provided an overview of our bionic vision and neurobionics research programs, as well as describing the development of prosthetic limbs taking place in the USA.

Brain implants may help psychiatric patients.To coincide with the 2nd International Conference on Medical Bionics

in November 2011, the Daily Telegraph, the Courier Mail and the West Australian ran stories about the future of deep brain stimulation, giving a good account of where we are now, who the potential candidates are for treatment in the future, and substantial differences between treatments from decades ago and those we are developing now.

Medical breakthrough promises bionic eyes.The ABC’s 7:30 Report on January 23rd 2012 featured an update

of the development of the bionic eye. A number of world firsts were discussed in the interview which can be viewed in full on the Bionics Institute website.

pdfs and links to the articles mentioned can be found in the News section of the Bionics Institute website at www.bionicsinstitute.org

Medical Bionics Department at The University of MelbourneThe Bionics Institute has strengthened its relationship with The University of Melbourne through an Enhanced Research Collaboration Agreement.

Through this agreement, a Medical Bionics Department has been created within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and will be located at the Bionics Institute to conduct research and research training. The strong links with the Melbourne School of Engineering will continue.

Professor James Angus, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences welcomed the agreement as “further evidence of the close collaboration between biomedicine and engineering in identifying innovative solutions to health challenges”.

Professor Rob Shepherd, Bionics Institute Director and Head of the newly formed Medical Bionics Department said, “This agreement represents a significant occasion for the Bionics Institute and there will be many positive outcomes for both institutions. The establishment of this new Department within The University of Melbourne will allow us both to build on our existing international reputations by combining our complementary strengths and research capabilities. While this new agreement enhances our relationship with the University, it does not change the Bionic Institute’s status as an independent research Institute.

By working together we will be able to address significant medical and health concerns and achieve outcomes which would potentially not be achievable by either organisation alone. The agreement will also diversify the existing training opportunities for research higher degree students and increase both institutions’ mutual ability to attract high quality staff and students.”

Neurobionics Research Funding BoostThe Bionics Institute’s Neurobionics research program has received a welcome and major funding boost from the Colonial Foundation.

The $862,000 grant over the next three years will be used to fund part of our Neurobionics program that aims to develop and evaluate implantable devices to safely and effectively treat people who have severe neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Deep brain stimulation, which delivers targeted electrical impulses to the brain through surgically implanted electrodes, has been used to control tremor in people with Parkinson’s disease for many years. The application of brain stimulation to treat other intractable neurological disorders and certain psychiatric conditions is rapidly expanding.

The implantable devices currently available on the market are effective, but there is room for significant improvement and simplification of the device. An approach based on the Institute’s extensive experience in the development of bionic devices is currently being investigated, which would also make the devices smaller. In addition to our innovative research culture, our links with industry and clinicians in Melbourne’s major hospitals make development of a new deep brain stimulation system possible.

The partnership between the Colonial Foundation and the Institute will allow key preclinical studies of deep brain stimulation systems to be carried out. These include the design of prototype electrodes as well as safety studies.

Colonial’s contribution forms a crucial part of our broader five year neurobionics development program with an estimated total cost of $8.5M, and will be used to support a combination of research staff, PhD students, equipment and direct project costs.

Deep Brain Stimulation Device

Melanie in the lab

Bionic Connections | Autumn 2012 3

Whitaker International Fellow joins the InstituteMelanie Gault completed her Masters of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University (Tennessee, USA) in May last year, and was awarded the prestigious Whitaker International Fellowship to carry out research at an institution of her choice – she chose the Bionics Institute.

The Whitaker Foundation, a US-based philanthropic organisation, provides talented young biomedical engineers with the opportunity to gain international work experience and form collaborative links that will enhance their future research careers.

Melanie Gault joined us in August 2011 to work on projects in both Bionic Vision and Bionic Hearing. She is part of the team carrying out crucial preclinical studies of the bionic eye’s electrode array. She is investigating the long term efficacy of the implanted electrodes and their ability to provide consistent electrical stimulation over time.

Melanie’s project with the Bionic Hearing group is aimed at improving the way the cochlear implant converts sound information into patterns of electrical stimulation along the electrode array implanted in the cochlea. She is designing a device to test a more precise and controlled form of electrical stimulation. The aim of this new technique is to improve the resolution of the spectral (frequency) and temporal (timing) information conveyed by the implant which should lead to significant improvements in the perception of speech in noise, music and tonal languages.

Melanie said, “All through my undergraduate years at Vanderbilt University, I had big dreams of spending a year abroad after I graduated. I had never been out of North America, and the year before I began my PhD seemed like an ideal time to travel and study.

When I heard about the Whitaker fellowship I spent weeks doing research online for organisations doing work in neural engineering. I kept seeing the Bionics Institute’s name come up as a key player in medical bionics and Australia sounded exotic, making it all the more enticing.

I’m really enjoying my time here and one of my favourite days so far was going to the MCG to see a Geelong vs Collingwood game. But I do miss home and things like going to see live country music in downtown Nashville with friends.”

Colonial Foundation

Awards to Bionics Institute researchersTwo pioneers in bionic hearing have recently been recognised for their contributions to medical device technology.

The Institute’s Founding Director, Professor Graeme Clark was awarded the prestigious Zotterman Prize last year at a ceremony in the Nobel Forum at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. The award recognises his pioneering contribution to the development of the multi-channel cochlear implant and its life-changing impact on deaf children and adults worldwide.

L to R: professor graeme Clark and professor Hugh McDermott

Bionic Connections | Autumn 2012 4

How have star crossed lovers supported the Bionics Institute?Unlikely as it seems, the mythical tragedy of star crossed lovers has been of major support to the Bionics Institute. The proceeds of the opening night of the Australian Ballet’s season of Romeo and Juliet went in equal share to the Bionics Institute and victims of the Japanese tsunami.

The sell-out evening raised in excess of $130,000 for the two causes, with some people paying as much as $1,000 a ticket to secure a seat for the premiere.

Through the tireless work of Bionics Institute Board member Li Cunxin, the Institute has established a strong relationship with the Australian Ballet.

Professor Rob Shepherd, Bionics Institute Director said, “The premiere of Romeo and Juliet was just stunning. The Australian Ballet is respected internationally and we feel very privileged to be supported in this way. Not only did the financial gift overwhelm us, but the ability to promote the Institute in this unique way was very valuable”.

The money raised will go towards the Institute’s three core research programs: bionic hearing, bionic vision, and neurobionics.

Medical Bionics conference a huge hit

“excellent talks, superb venue, great food, wonderful country” – this was the general consensus about the 2nd International Conference on Medical Bionics hosted by the Bionics Institute in November 2011. The gathering attracted more than 170 international and local scientists, clinicians and industry representatives.

Professor Rob Shepherd, Director of the Bionics Institute, said, “I believe medical bionics research and development in the years to come will be shaped by the fantastic group that participated in this conference.”“The scientific program was unanimously

well-received and reflected the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the development of implantable devices. It covered bionic solutions to deafness, blindness, paraplegia, epilepsy and intractable psychiatric disorders (to name a few), and covered the breadth of scientific approaches from surgical considerations and electrode design to mathematical modeling and molecular biology”.

The social program and the relatively small size of this international conference compared to some, not only created a warm and friendly atmosphere, but allowed for those important informal opportunities to interact, network and exchange ideas.

In fields of research that are often quite narrowly focused, the conference served to broaden ways of thinking about a problem and create new opportunities for collaboration. It also provided a forum for PhD students and early career researchers to not only meet leaders in their field but, just as importantly, form their own networks at the poster sessions and career development workshop.

Many of the delegates took some time out to explore the beautiful coastline of Phillip Island and its surrounds, with the penguin parade a highlight for many of our international and interstate guests.

Professor Shepherd said, “We are extremely pleased to have received positive feedback about the conference, and our hope is that the next Medical Bionics conference, planned for 2014, can again meet everyone’s expectations.”

The Institute is investigating the possibility of holding the meeting every two years if regular sponsorship can be secured.

The Zotterman Prize commemorates Professor Yngve Zotterman (1898–1982), a distinguished Swedish neuroscientist and pioneer in sensory physiology.

Professor Hugh McDermott, Bionics Institute Deputy Director (Research) was recently elected a Fellow of the Institute of electrical and electronics engineers (Ieee) for his contributions to improved sound-processing techniques for cochlear implants and hearing aids.

The IEEE is the world’s leading professional association for advancing technology for humanity. Each year, following a rigorous evaluation procedure, the IEEE Fellow Committee recommends a select group of recipients for one of the Association’s most prestigious honours – an IEEE Fellow.

Congratulations to Hugh and Graeme.

professor Jim patrick, Chief Scientist of Cochlear Ltd, was the guest of Honour at the conference

RESEARCH FEATURE: Our Bionic VisionThe Bionics Institute is a member of a consortium of research institutions, called Bionic Vision Australia, which is developing a bionic implant capable of restoring useful vision to people suffering from eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

The Bionics Institute brings its engineering expertise (e.g., electrode design and stimulation strategies), experience in safety and biocompatibility testing of bionic devices (preclinical studies), and experience in psychophysical testing (measurement of sensory perceptions) to this national effort.

In collaboration with our Bionic Vision Australia partners, we are working on two devices: the first will be capable of restoring enough visual function to allow patients to navigate around objects, thereby improving their mobility and independence. We expect the first clinical trial of this device to occur by 2013. A “high acuity” device that will provide facial recognition and reading of large print is expected to have its first implantations in 2014.

In normal vision, light activates specialised sensory cells located at the back of the eye (retina) which then excite cells that convey visual information to the brain. The bionic eye aims to replace the function of the sensory cells that have been lost due to a disease process. The device consists of a number of components: a video camera (mounted on spectacles) captures the image in front of the patient and this is sent wirelessly to a receiver implanted behind the ear. The receiver passes this information to an electrode array implanted in the retina. Thus, the visual world will be converted into patterns of electrical stimulation across the part of the retina covered by the electrode array. This electrical stimulation will excite the cells that convey information to the visual brain and an image will be perceived.

Our ResearchOver the past 12 months Bionics Institute researchers have developed

a bionic eye electrode array and tested its safety and effectiveness, as well as preparing for the testing of the device in the first recipients planned for 2013-2014.

Electrode designOur 26 years of experience in cochlear implant research and

development has allowed us to progressively refine the prototype bionic eye and begin its construction. Our research has focussed on:

• selecting the best material with which to construct the electrode array, as well as testing promising new materials;

• ensuring that the electrode array is biocompatible and produces only a minimal reaction (e.g., inflammation), and is viable for long periods of time;

• designing the implant so that it conforms with the shape of the eye and produces minimal trauma during implantation;

• building a safe electrode array and addressing the challenges of maximising the number of channels (and therefore points on the retina that can be stimulated) while keeping the implant compact (5x8 mm; about ½ a five cent piece).

Preclinical studiesA crucial part of the process leading up to the clinical trial of a new

medical device is the series of vigorous tests that ensure the device is safe and effective. To this end, we are determining the levels and patterns of electrical stimulation that can effectively stimulate the visual pathways of the brain while ensuring this stimulation does not damage the retina. The information we gain continuously feeds back into the implant design process.

These preclinical studies have also evaluated:

• possible surgical approaches;

• the best location for the implant and its associated wiring;

• its ability to be removed safely (in the event of device failure or upgrading);

• recovery of the eye following implant surgery;

• its long term effect on eye health;

• its stability over time, both in terms of its location and ability to provide consistent electrical stimulation.

Visual psychophysics Psychophysics refers to the description and measurement of our

sensory perceptions, and an important part of our research is aimed at describing the relationship between the electrical stimulation provided by an implant and measures of the quality of the resulting perception.

In preparation for future clinical trials, we are developing the psychophysics testing system that will allow us to describe the relationship between activating the electrodes within an array in various ways and measuring the characteristics of the resulting percept (e.g., its brightness, size, location and duration). These sorts of studies allow us to refine the implant’s stimulation strategy to produce optimal perceptual results.

The Bionic Vision Australia consortium is supported by a grant from the Australian Research Council.

Bionic Connections | Autumn 20125

Victorian Lions Foundation helps establish a Neurobionics FellowshipLions Clubs throughout Victoria have committed to fundraise towards the establishment of a Neurobionics Fellow position at the Bionics Institute.

The commitment of $523,000 over five years will go towards funding a pivotal research position that will be at the core of the development of an advanced neurobionic implant to treat a wide range of intractable neurological disorders.

A young and talented neuroscientist, engineer or clinician will be recruited to provide continuity through each phase of the research plan. The aim is that the Fellow becomes a future leader in neurobionics research.

The recent announcement came after two Lions Districts received presentations about the proposed Research Fellow position from the Institute’s Deputy Directors Professors Peter Blamey and Hugh McDermott at their annual District Conventions.

The District representatives clearly understood the potential of the neurobionics program at the Institute. Peter and Hugh explained that the neurobionic stimulation devices developed through the program would be used to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions as far ranging as epilepsy, to obsessive-compulsive disorder, urinary incontinence and chronic pain. The Lions also understood that the Institute has more than 25 years’ experience in the development of implantable devices, and thus is building on a huge knowledge-base for its research.

Professor Peter Blamey, Bionics Institute Deputy Director (Commercialisation and IP) said, “We have had a very close relationship with the Victorian Lions Foundation throughout the development of the bionic ear and I am very glad to see the relationship grow. Twenty five years ago I was the first recipient of the Lions International Hearing Research Fellowship and since then a number of people at the Institute have undertaken great work supported by this Lions Fellowship to the point where about 100,000 deaf children worldwide are developing normal spoken language using bionic hearing. I am glad that we are able to establish something similar in the field of neurobionics.”

Thank you JackA major contributor to the development and oversight of the Bionic Ear Institute and then the Bionics Institute, Jack Smorgon AO, has retired from the Board after almost 16 years of dedicated service.

Jack is renowned in Melbourne and Australia as the driving force behind the country’s largest private business for many years, valued at $1.5 billion at its peak, until the family amicably broke-up the business units in 1995.

Since then Jack has been involved in his own business interests with his brother Robert and has carried on significant public and philanthropic commitments.

Now in his mid-seventies Jack has decided to take a well-deserved break from some public roles to enjoy time with his wife and family.

Over Jack’s 16 years, he helped guide the Institute through its transition from being solely focused on improving the bionic ear to work on the bionic eye and the emerging field of neurobionics.

Through his role as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Investment Committee he has steered the Institute to a solid financial position where our focus is on the expansion of research programs to establish the Bionics Institute as the international leader in the development of medical bionic devices.

Jack still holds the position of Chairman of the Institute’s Investment Committee.

Professor Rob Shepherd, Director of the Bionics Institute, said, “The Board and staff of the Institute will miss Jack’s wisdom, humour and generosity. Jack joined the Institute only a few years after it was established and he will be sorely missed.”

Bionic Connections | Autumn 2012 6

For editorial enquiries or to receive our eNewsletter, please contact Robert Hilkes: rhilkes@bionicsinstitute.org or (03) 9667 7507.

Articles and photographs in this publication are the sole property of the Bionics Institute of Australia and may not be reproduced without written permission. Copyright ©2012.

Proudly supported by Woodards Real Estate www.woodards.com.au

The Institute would like to thank the following individuals, organisations and foundations that have contributed over $200 since July 2011.

Colonial Foundation

The Garnett Passe and Rodney William Memorial Foundation

The Marian & E.H. Flack Trust

Woodards Group

Annie Danks Trust

Mr John B Reid AO

The William Angliss Charitable Fund

Heymanson Family Foundation P/L

Mrs Meg Bentley

Zdraveski Trust

Mr Stephen Penman

Mrs Pauline Powell OAM

Mr and Mrs Robert & Beverley Squire

Ms Val Gallahawk

Ms Clio Hertzberg

Mrs Inez Glanger

Rotary Club of Queenstown

Mrs Margaret Bartel

Macquarie Group Foundation

Dr K S Crowley

Mrs Laurie Gwillim

Donor List