Dr Max Yavitt, Dr Behnam Akhavan and Professor Tim Woodfield.
In early June, Dr Behnam Akhavan from the University of Newcastle was proudly hosted by Professor Tim Woodfield, Dr Max Yavitt, and the CReaTE Research Group at the Christchurch Campus of the University of Otago.
Dr Akhavan delivered a compelling presentation titled “Plasma-engineered Biomimetic Interfaces for Next-Generation Implantable Medical Devices.”
This field of research received enthusiastic and intrigued feedback from attending students and faculty.
“It was an incredible opportunity to visit Professor Tim Woodfield's lab at the University of Otago over two days under our Royal Society of New Zealand Catalyst Project. I was thoroughly impressed by the ground-breaking work being done in 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine by the CReaTE research group. The visit revealed great synergies for further collaboration, especially between the group’s advanced bioprinting technologies and the plasma-assisted biofabrication methods we are developing in our Plasma Bio-Engineering Lab. Thank you to Professor Woodfield and Dr Max Yavitt for their hospitality and the exciting exchange of ideas!” said Dr Akhavan.
The Royal Society of New Zealand’s Catalyst Fund initiative aims to support activities that initiate, develop, and strengthen international partnerships to benefit New Zealand’s science sectors. The Catalyst Fund seeks to maximise New Zealand’s scientific research through international collaboration that advances emerging research opportunities. By supporting this type of scientific cooperation, New Zealand’s science endeavours can continue to strengthen and have more impactful outcomes.
Dr Akhavan’s visit on behalf of the University of Newcastle reflects the successful relationships intended to be formed under this scheme.
Professor Tim Woodfield and the wider CReaTE Research Group look forward to continuing to work alongside Dr Akhavan in their respective fields of regenerative medicine.