Musculoskeletal (MSK) research and its clinical translation has had a strong profile in Western Australia recently in three events variously bringing together scientists, clinical researchers, orthopaedic specialists and surgeons, and industry partners.
Conversion of Western Australian mother of pearl to synthetic bone material for human implant was among the topics, making Broome a fitting venue for the inaugural Musculoskeletal Summit held from 1 to 3 July.
This event, opened by the Hon Stephen Dawson, MLC, Minister for Medical Research and attended by Premier the Hon Roger Cook MLA, had three themes: cellular and molecular biology of MSK tissues and cells; regenerative medicine – evidence and applications; and clinical translation related to MSK conditions.
Bringing together global MSK leaders to collaborate in small sessions, the workshop fuelled broad ideas and a future workshop is already in planning.
Winthrop Professor Minghao Zheng, (UWA Medical School and Perron Institute), was the chair of the organising committee for the scientific program and events at the MSK Summit 2023 and the keynote speaker for one of the Summit series, the inaugural Nerve Transfer and Reconstruction Symposium. The symposium was co-sponsored by The University of Western Australia, Perron Institute, Orthocell Ltd and Device Technology Ltd. A highlight of the symposium was the surgical skill training workshop chaired by WA orthopaedic surgeon Dr Alex O’Beirne and Professor David Brogan Department of Orthopaedics, Washington University, St Louis. At the workshop, surgeons were able to learn how to use a new nerve repair device, Remplir™ in nerve repair surgery.
Themes for the 6th International Symposium of Musculoskeletal Regeneration Research Network hosted at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research on 30 June were: basic science; bioengineering; clinical transfer; and collaboration.
As well as his organisational role, Professor Zheng contributed to this program with a presentation on mitochondria activities and ageing.
Professor Zheng’s ongoing passion for his work as well as the inclusion and training of PhD students and young researchers are recognised.