Biomechanics and mechanobiology
Biomechanics and mechanobiology employ the principles of mechanics to investigate the effects of energy and forces on biological systems.
At the University of Melbourne, we embrace the full spectrum of scale, from whole body structure and function, to cellular and nano-processes, in a multidisciplinary research effort toward improving health and wellbeing. Our research groups focus on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular applications; using experimental and computational modelling techniques to explore injury, disease, degeneration, orthopaedics and maxillofacial surgery, human movement and performance, and intervention.
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ARC Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies
The Centre specialises in personalised 3D printed orthopaedic and maxillofacial implants.
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Biomechanics Research Group
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating joint disease that affects more than 1.6 million Australians.
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Cell Structure and Mechanobiology Group
We uncover the inner workings of living cells by creating in-silico models of cell structure, its mechanics and biochemical processes that drive cell function. Our research has led to fundamental discoveries related to heart disease, cancer and blood and vascular diseases.
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Integrative Cartilage Research Group
Applying innovative technologies in order to reveal the mechanobiological signalling networks in cartilage and joint disorders and provide strategies for repair.
The following list represents a selection of projects belonging to our researchers.
— indicates projects currently recruiting research students. Visit our Study website for PhD program and application information.
Biofabrication and matrix mechanobiology of cartilage tissue models
Team: Kathryn Stok
Data and image analysis of arthritis progression
Team: Kathryn Stok, Catherine Davey
Digital image processing of arthritis progression
Team: Kathryn Stok
Time-lapsed imaging of arthritis progression
Team: Kathryn Stok, Catherine Davey
Programmable mechanical metamaterials for soft robotics
Team: Ellie Hajizadeh
Mechanical response of subchondral bone to fatigue loading
Team: Fatemeh Malekipour, Peter Lee
Engineering stem cell derived cardiac tissue for drug screening of mitochondrial diseases
Team: Vijayaraghavan Rajagopal