Congratulations to our Chief Investigator, Dr Thanh Nho Do, who has received a 2024 NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Award, out of 12 granted in NSW.

The annual Young Tall Poppy Science Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of Australian scientists.

The Tall Poppy Campaign was created by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) to recognise and celebrate Australian intellectual and scientific excellence and to encourage younger Australians to follow in the footsteps of our outstanding achievers.

Dr Do, was recognised for his breakthrough biorobotic research for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as well as advanced wearable devices for enhanced human-machine interaction. Dr Do’s research primarily focuses on the advancements in soft robotics and biorobotics to treat some of the leading causes of death worldwide, including gastrointestinal cancers, strokes, heart failure and other medical conditions.

He developed the world’s first flexible robot that’s capable of 3D printing biomaterial directly onto organs inside a person’s body. The robot could be used by medical professionals to access hard-to-reach areas inside the body via small skin incisions or natural orifices. He also created a soft bionic device that offers safer and less infection-prone alternatives to traditional treatments for heart failure. Dr Do’s innovative smart fabrics function like muscles, helping to speed up and customise the healing process for injuries.

In the field of wearable devices for rehabilitation and human augmentation, Dr Do’s unique smart robotic textiles function like muscles and could personalise and accelerate the healing process for injuries. His internationally award-winning soft haptic systems hold promise for creating more immersive and intuitive experiences in various applications, including remote surgery, enriching digital experiences and expanding the boundaries of human-computer interaction. He described the award as a major milestone in his career and a tremendous honour.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of my team, collaborators and mentors, and highlights the importance of our biorobotic research and its potential to significantly impact healthcare and patient outcomes.”

UNSW Newsroom