Driving innovation in next-gen AI medical technologies

A new research training centre based in Victoria will develop artificial intelligence (AI) applications for medical technologies and train an expert workforce that will drive Australian innovation.

The Federal Government is providing $4.1 million to support the training centre that will advance ‘next generation’ data-driven and machine learning-based medical technologies.

Liberal Senator for Victoria Jane Hume today launched the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies at The University of Melbourne.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the new centre would provide a world-class research and training environment.

“Students and researchers will lead the medical technology industry into a new era of data-driven personalised medical devices and applications,” Mr Tehan said.

“This could mean helping predict epilepsy seizures to restoring mobility to amputees and people with paralysis.”

Senator Hume said the centre would work hand in hand to give our medical technology industry the edge and drive global competitive advantage.

“The high calibre of researchers and industry experts collaborating in this training centre will be great mentors, training up the next generation of early career research talent for an industry-ready workforce,” Senator Hume said.

University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell said the new centre would play a key role in advancing AI medical technologies to benefit patients and society.

“By collaborating with industry and government, our technical experts will form a significant research effort to advance AI outcomes in the interests of the wider healthcare sector,” Professor Maskell said.

The ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies will be led by The University of Melbourne, in partnership with IBM Research-Australia, with the involvement of: Western Sydney University, RMIT University, and the University of South Australia; and with participating organisations Medtronic Australasia Pty Ltd, CSIRO, St Vincent’s Health, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Academic Centre for Health, and Cogstate Ltd.

The ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme fosters close partnerships between university-based researchers and other research end-users to provide innovative Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and postdoctoral training opportunities that are industry focused. For more information about the scheme, visit the ARC website.

Media contact:
Tehan: Byron Vale 02 6277 7350 | minister.media@education.gov.au
Hume: Zach Castles 0468 708 218