Byron Short Seminar Series

ABSTRACT
Medical technology is integral to a modern healthcare system and includes everything from bandages to pacemakers to MRI systems. While fundamental advances based on university research still drives innovation in medical technology, universities are increasingly paying more attention to translational research and moving that research closer to commercialization including encouraging and mentoring startup companies. At the same time, large med tech companies are now turning towards acquisitions to drive growth, increasing the likelihood that startups originating from university translational research will have a tangible impact on patient care. While the traditional role of a university is to conduct basic research that someday could lead to a new medical device, some universities have gone beyond this to create a robust ecosystem for creating and commercializing technology-based solutions that solve clinical problems and for training the next generation of medical device innovation leaders. Using examples from the University of Minnesota, I will describe the components of a medical devices innovation ecosystem and will offer suggestions for creating and maintaining a medical technology innovation ecosystem at any university. Before launching into the main topic, I will provide a brief overview of my own research in technology-based approaches to assessment, rehabilitation, and assistive technology for those with neural or musculoskeletal impairments that impact movement.


BIO
William Durfee is Professor and Director of Design Education in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the director of the Bakken Medical Devices Center at the University of Minnesota. His research and professional interests include the design of medical devices, rehabilitation engineering, exoskeletons and wearable robots, compact hydraulic systems, product design, and design education. He is a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, the Co-Editor of the ASME Journal of Medical Devices, and a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers at the University of Minnesota.