Join us to hear how science is changing lives

February 27, 2019

Join us at the Shine Dome for the 2019 Canberra Speaker Series, Changing Lives with Science.

Throughout this series we will hear remarkable science stories that haven't yet been told. Stories of innovation, research, breakthroughs and how science is solving the big challenges of our time.

The series kicked off with Eliza Ault-Connell and Associate Professor Kate Fox talking prosthetics and medical implants.

At the age of 16, Eliza Ault-Connell lost her fingers and legs after being diagnosed with meningococcal disease. Since then, her life has been changed by science in many ways—including prosthetics technology. Eliza is now a Paralympian, a mother of three, a marathon runner, and a director of Meningococcal Australia.

Eliza took us through her emotional and heartening story—from the moment her mum noticed the rash on her hand, to being inspired by the 1996 Paralympics runners, to the advances in prosthetic technology that have improved her quality of life.

We also heard from Associate Professor Kate Fox from RMIT University about her remarkable work in 3D printing for medical applications. Kate explained her passion for patient-specific treatments arose from her own health issues, and those of her son, who has multiple disabilities and uses a walker. She explained the potential and challenges of 3D printing for medical applications, and shared some moving success stories, such as a little girl whose 3D-printed exoskeleton allowed her to play using her hands for the first time.

Don’t miss the next event on Tuesday 16 April where we’ll be talking ‘electronic skin’ with Associate Professor Madhu Bhaskaran from RMIT University and Sleeptite CEO Cameron van den Dungen.

More information about the ‘Changing lives with science’ speaker series

© 2024 Australian Academy of Science

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