Hospital of the Future

The Biofabrication & Tissue Morphology Group has a vision for the Hospital of the Future, where advancing technology in 3D scanning, modelling and printing of bone, cartilage and other human tissue is used to repair tissue that is lost or damaged.

It will take a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together researchers from multiple scientific, clinical and industry disciplines to realise this vision.

We anticipate the Hospital of the Future will:

• transform how we provide health care by developing innovative personalised and automated treatments
• support the Advance Queensland agenda to transition the state’s economy toward the jobs of the future
• grow Queensland’s economy and scientific footprint, expanding advanced manufacturing and attracting industry engagement with research
• develop new interdisciplinary approaches to education and training for clinicians, scientists, engineers, mathematicians and entrepreneurs.

Transforming health care

Biofabrication uses a person’s biological material, detailed 3D information about their condition, and specialised 3D printers to create personalised medicine.

The process enables the automated production of biologically, mechanically and anatomically customised solutions that are tailored for the patient’s body and condition.

Applications of biofabrication research include:

• lifelike personalised implants, grafts, prosthetics, orthotics and radiation therapy aids
• robotic-assisted surgery
• improved surgical training, planning and consultation.

These advances will lead to:

• lower health costs
• improved access to the best treatments
• better health outcomes and quality of life for individuals and society.

Multidisciplinary innovation

The Hospital of the Future will offer opportunities for Australian scientists, engineers and clinicians to be employed in cutting-edge multidisciplinary research that will benefit people around the world, while attracting significant private sector and philanthropic investment.

Biofabrication researchers will be able to work closely with clinicians, industry partners and other research institutions and engage with collaborators internationally through virtual networking technologies.

In the Hospital of the Future, diverse spaces will be designed to promote collaboration around clinical issues and stimulate the generation of innovative research ideas and clinical applications.

Cutting-edge facilities

Patient interface zone

Supporting patients coming to the institute for consultation, counselling, diagnostics, care planning and treatment evaluation.

Discovery and innovation hub

Promoting collaboration and innovation between clinical staff, broad multi-specialty teams, researchers and external partners.

Biofabrication and advanced manufacturing laboratory

Developing the latest 3D advanced manufacturing and bioprinting platforms, and 3D printing approaches for use by clinicians and health practitioners.

Tissue engineering laboratory

In-depth study of 3D tissue scaffold performance and tissue growth, development of new materials and techniques.

Clinical scanning and visualisation laboratory

Developing novel 3D image and motion capture technologies to rapidly and noninvasively acquire high fidelity 3D patient information.

3D modelling and computational medicine laboratory

Analysing 3D patient data and producing dynamic 3D models for use in custom implants and tissue engineering fabrication, 3D printing and virtual and augmented reality environments for surgical planning and patient consultation.

Health economics node

Evaluating and measuring the economic impact of biofabrication research, and its alignment with Australia’s regulatory framework.

Industry collaboration spaces

Co-working spaces encouraging partnerships between researchers and industries.