The Member of the Order of Australia (AM) honour awarded to Professor Minghao Zheng AM for advancement of regenerative medicine and orthopaedics research is applauded by WA’s Perron Institute as greatly deserved recognition of an outstanding trailblazer.
Professor Zheng, Head of Bone and Brain Axis Research at the Perron Institute and academic pathologist at The University of Western Australia, is a global star in regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal and neuro tissue engineering.
“Professor Zheng’s leadership, significant service and pioneering achievements are truly inspiring,” said Perron Institute Chief Executive Officer, Steve Arnott.
“We are so fortunate that this brilliant academic and scientist has made Western Australia his home over the past 35 years.
“His contributions are wide ranging, highly innovative and impactful, for example seeing the potential and development pathways to harness naturally derived biomaterials and biological therapies to treat damaged nerves, cartilage, tendons and bones.”
Professor Zheng co-invented a collagen scaffold for bone and tissue regeneration. His company Orthocell co-founded with Chief Executive Officer Paul Anderson, now offers the product, as well as four other regenerative tools.
Sourcing mother of pearl from Broome to make a bone substitute for fractures or trauma injuries is another brainwave, through the WA biotech company Marine Biomedical, which he co-founded.
Professor Zheng’s research achievements in developing collagen and biomineralisation composite platform technologies for improving treatment outcomes for patients with orthopaedic conditions and neurotrauma have earned him international admiration and respect.
His recent work on the impact of bone aging in brain function has shown that evidence-based lifestyle strategies for bone health may be beneficial for improving cognitive function. The study has also led to the development of a new molecular therapeutic regime in a preclinical phase.
Professor Zheng, also renowned for his unfailing modesty and for recognising those working with him, describes receiving his Australia Day award as “the greatest honour of my life”.