2022 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholar: Angus Weekes
With a passion for developing innovative treatment options for cardiovascular disease, 2022 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholar Angus Weekes is taking on one of the leading causes of patient mortality around the world. Angus' research focuses on the biofabrication of tissue via engineered vascular grafts that strive to improve vessel bypassing treatment options.
Throughout his PhD at QUT, Angus has been working in collaboration with the Herston Biofabrication Institute at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. His research project focuses on using electrowriting additive manufacturing to produce compliant scaffold substrates suitable for in vitro culture of vascular tissue.
"Being exposed to such a great volume of information in a short time during the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship has ensured that we gained a high-level understanding of all the essential aspects of commercialisation within the Australian MedTech ecosystem."
Throughout his experience as a 2022 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholar, Angus built on his skills and knowledge of MedTech commercialisation. He valued the opportunity to network with a diverse range of peers and professionals across the Australian MedTech and healthcare ecosystem.
"I would highly recommend the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship program to those looking to expand their knowledge in the field of medical device commercialisation, who are yet to reach a start-up stage."
Angus reflected that his experience resulted in a renewed and enriched exposure to the fundamental aspects associated with developing a startup and commercialising medical technology.
"Aside from the exceptional content, the MedTech Actuator team were extremely accommodating, great people who were happy to answer any number of questions."
Since completing the program, Angus has continued to work on his PhD research and has gained valuable industry experience working as a Research and Development Engineer at Vestech Sciences Pty Ltd.
Are you a future MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholar?
Applications are now open for the 2023 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships. The MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship is supported by the Menzies Foundation as part of their Entrepreneurship in Science mission.