A key focus of work at the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) is to harness the power of collaboration in biomedical engineering research to solve some of today’s biggest health challenges. Collaboration can be far reaching. We were delighted to host visiting Professor Sara Ramos Romero, from The University of Barcelona.
Professor Ramos Romero met and began working with Dr Duchi, who is originally from Italy, a number of years ago. “We have known each other for a long time. Dr Duchi and I worked together in Barcelona when we were both doing a post doc in the same lab. We have also published one research paper together on nano-particles.
“I usually focus on researching inflammation in relation to arthritis and metabolic syndrome. So, my role on this project is to look at how inflammation can affect the environment as stem cells change to cartilage because an inflammatory environment can change or affect the outcome and success of this transformation.
“Dr Duchi and her team needed someone with expertise in this area to help to identify the best environment for stem cells to be inserted into a patient’s limb, to achieve the best outcome,” Professor Ramos Romero said.
Professor Ramos Romero met and began working with Dr Duchi, who is originally from Italy, a number of years ago. “We have known each other for a long time. Dr Duchi and I worked together in Barcelona when we were both doing a post doc in the same lab. We have also published a research paper together on nano-particles.
“We have always worked well together so I knew it would be a successful partnership. Australia is such a great country and I’m working with such terrific people.”
A grant from the Ministry of Science (Spain) focused on creating collaborations with other countries enabled the trip to become a reality.
Professor Ramos Romero said she and Dr Duchi had always planned to work together. Our skills are so complementary, so we’ve kept in touch over the years. It was such an honour to receive the Jose Castillejo Grant, because it finally brought our plans to life.”
Even after Professor Ramos Romero returns back to Spain, she and Dr Duchi plan to continue their collaboration. “They can send me some samples and I can send them samples. Plus, students can become the bridge between our countries.”
Erol Harvey, ACMD CEO, is a strong advocate for international collaborations, particularly the value of in-person visits. “The health problems we are addressing apply to anybody, anywhere, and it is only by working together that we will be able to improve health delivery.
“Working with international colleagues is fundamental to good science. Sharing ideas, skills, problems and critically challenging each other is so important. The great advantage of having visiting researchers is the fresh perspective they bring to problem solving. There is also the human link. When hosting a visitor, they soon become part of the team, contribute to the culture of the centre and create a livelier and more enjoyable workplace. We always welcome visiting researchers, and in return look forward to having our researchers contribute to international centres.”
Professor Ramos Romero is particularly excited about the new ACMD building and the potential impact ACMD will have on the industry. “I’m thrilled to be here, it’s such an honour to be in this special research group. I think ACMD will make a real impact in the industry. Everyone I’ve been working with here at the ACMD Biofab is very excited about the new building – and how wonderful it will be to work in this new space. I will try to come back once it’s built if all our plans work out.
“The future of healthcare is focused on personalised medicine – this is good for the patients and for the industry. Biomedical engineering is the way the industry is heading – we need to see more collaboration and funding to continue to evolve this exciting area.”
The ACMD needs support to come to life. If you would like to discuss how your philanthropic gift could make a difference, please contact Melina Talanis, ACMD Capital Campaign Director.
