Bionics Institute

The Bionics Institute of Australia is a biomedical research institute focusing on medical bionics that creates, designs, evaluates and improves bionic devices that interface with the human body to restore impaired sensory or other nervous system and bodily functions. The Bionics Institute is located in Melbourne, Australia, and is a registered charity and has deductible gift recipient status. The Institute is recognised throughout the world as a centre of excellence in hearing research and bionic device development. The Bionics Institute is made up of researchers, engineers, technicians and students working closely with clinicians to pioneer new technologies that address the unmet needs of patients living with hearing loss, tinnitus, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, balance and movement disorders, stroke, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and urinary incontinence. The Institute is dedicated to translational research leading to clinical outcomes. Examples of clinical trials the Institute has been involved; an evaluation of a novel stimulation method to improve speech perception in cochlear implant patients; in early 2020, the first patients were implanted with a device called Minder™, that will provide clinicians with an accurate and long-term record of epileptic seizures; in late 2020, a clinical trial is due to commence with a device to detect gut inflammation. In 2017, Mr. Robert Klupacs was appointed CEO. With over 30 years of experience in research commercialisation and bio-technology transfer, Robert drives an increased focus on opportunities and diversification of the Institute’s funding streams enabling more rapid translation of research into devices and products that make a tangible difference to the quality of life of patients around the world.