Students<\/h1><\/div>On this page<\/h4><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"View](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
HBI contributes to student learning by hosting undergraduate and postgraduate students for course-related placements, subject to project availability. We have supported students from The University of Queensland\u2019s bioengineering and medicine programs, providing hands-on exposure to research and real\u2011world applications. Learn more about our students\u2019 experiences here.<\/p>\n
How to check if you\u2019re eligible for a placement<\/h2>\n
If you’re interested in doing a placement with HBI, your first step is to get in touch with your UQ Employability Team<\/strong>. They\u2019re the best people to help you understand the requirements, guide you through the process, and match your interests with the right opportunity.<\/p>\nYou can find your faculty\u2019s contact details by visiting UQ Careers and Employability (Contact page)<\/a><\/p>\nWant to explore more opportunities? Visit\u00a0UQ Careers and Employability<\/a><\/p>\nNext open day<\/h2>\n
HBI Open day: 31 August 2026<\/strong><\/p>\nDiscover how HBI is integrating innovation into clinical practice. Join us for a tour and showcases featuring personalised medical devices, surgical planning solutions, vascular applications, and clinical training technologies already supporting patient care.<\/p>\n
Express your interest in attending by completing our open day registration form<\/a>.<\/p>\nPlacement opportunities at HBI<\/h2>\n
HBI supports a range of student placements and projects in partnership with\u00a0<\/span>The University of Queensland (UQ)<\/span><\/b>. As placement capacity is limited, HBI primarily supports students undertaking placements that are a formal requirement of their course.<\/span><\/p>\nPlease review the information below to\u00a0determine\u00a0the pathway that applies to you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)\/Master of Engineering (BE(Hons)\/ME)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nHow to apply<\/h3>\n
Students enrolled in this program must apply through the relevant UQ placement process when HBI projects are advertised. HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest outside of this process.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure about the application process, please contact the\u00a0EAIT employability Team<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>MEDI7200: PLS Research in Medicine<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nHow to apply<\/h3>\n
Students enrolled in this course must apply through the relevant UQ placement process when HBI projects are advertised. HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest outside of this process.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure about the application process, please contact\u00a0Medical school student enquiries<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Thesis and Coursework Projects<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nHow to apply<\/h3>\n
Students should only contact HBI\u00a0regarding\u00a0a thesis or coursework project if they already have a UQ supervisor and\/or an HBI staff member who is involved in or supporting the project.<\/p>\n
Students should liaise directly with their relevant HBI staff contact\u00a0regarding\u00a0next steps.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Engineering Professional Practice (EPP)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nHow to apply<\/h3>\n
HBI occasionally advertises EPP opportunities through:<\/p>\n
\n- UQ Student Hub:\u00a0https:\/\/studenthub.uq.edu.au\/students\/jobs<\/a><\/li>\n
- UQ School and Faculty communications<\/li>\n
- UQ Employability Teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Students are encouraged to regularly\u00a0monitor\u00a0these channels for available opportunities.<\/p>\n
Where no opportunity has been advertised, HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure about the application process, please contact the\u00a0UQ EAIT Employability Team at\u00a0employability@eait.uq.edu.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>UQ Students Contribute to 3D Printed Surgical Training Models, Transforming Clinical Education<\/h3>\nDr. Balaram Ramagiri, MD MBA<\/p><\/div>\n
The 3D\u2011printed ear and temporal bone surgical training model, developed at HBI in collaboration with UQ, has delivered significant impact by making specialist surgical education safer, more accessible and more scalable. Initiated by Dr Emma Kanaganayagam (UQ MPhil), the project produced a highly realistic multi\u2011material model with strong anatomical fidelity and procedural relevance, validated through use in Australian otolaryngology training programs.<\/p>\n
The project received a trainee research award, recognising its innovation and contribution to surgical education. It addresses key limitations of cadaveric training by enabling repeatable, lower\u2011risk practice while improving access and flexibility for trainees.<\/p>\n
Further development led by Dr Balaram Ramagiri (UQ MPhil) has expanded the platform to incorporate pathological variations, enhancing its ability to simulate diverse clinical scenarios. Collectively, the work has strengthened HBI\u2019s capability in advanced multi\u2011material biofabrication and established a scalable platform for surgical training and procedural rehearsal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>Student stories<\/h2>\n<\/div>Tom Monckton<\/h3>\nTom Monckton<\/p><\/div>\n
Tom is a Mechatronics Engineering student completing his BE\/ME industry placement at the Herston Biofabrication Institute, where he is working on the design and development of a high-fidelity surgical training model for lateral canthotomy and cantholysis\u2014an emergency, vision-saving procedure. His project focuses on applying design-for-additive-manufacturing principles to create an anatomically accurate and clinically relevant eye and facial model for surgical education.<\/p>\n
Early in the placement, Tom has been learning how clinical needs, anatomical constraints, and manufacturing limitations intersect, and how rapid prototyping and clinician feedback drive iterative medical device development.<\/p>\n
A key area of learning has been developing and applying Blender skills to design complex, organic anatomical structures that are not easily achievable through traditional parametric CAD modelling. Alongside this, Tom has been gaining exposure to a wide range of additive manufacturing processes used at HBI, building an understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and applications within the medical space.<\/p>\n
Highlights of Tom\u2019s placement include working alongside a highly skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team, exposure to the diverse and innovative projects developed at HBI, and seeing firsthand the breadth of what additive manufacturing can enable in medical and surgical applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Jonathan Basri<\/h3>\nJonathan Basri<\/p><\/div>\n
Jonathan is a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Honours\/Masters) student at the University of Queensland currently undertaking an industry placement with the Herston Biofabrication Institute. As part of his placement, he is working on the mechanical characterisation of additively manufactured photopolymer materials used in biomedical devices and surgical guides.<\/p>\n
His project focuses on investigating how stereolithography (SLA) printing parameters and post-processing conditions influence the tensile performance of cross-linked photopolymer resins. Through experimental testing and materials analysis, Jonathan is working to better understand how manufacturing variables affect properties such as stiffness, strength, and elongation at failure, helping inform the reliable use of additively manufactured components in biomedical applications. From this project Jonathan has developed a strong interest in the SLA process and its potential to enable the rapid fabrication of complex, high-fidelity components for medical and surgical applications.<\/p>\n
Through this work, Jonathan is gaining hands-on experience with additive manufacturing workflows, mechanical testing, and material analysis within a research-driven biomedical engineering environment. A highlight of the placement has been working alongside HBI\u2019s multidisciplinary team and gaining insight into how advanced manufacturing technologies are translated into practical solutions for healthcare and surgical aids.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Nhien Nguyen<\/h3>\n
Project title:<\/strong> Development of a low-cost open-source microvascular training model<\/p>\nThroughout this project, I was very grateful to be working in a team at HBI focussed on educating and helping me make progress through my project even though I was very new to the research world. \u00a0\u00a0My role involved using different types of silicones with varying shore-hardness to create high-fidelity microvascular models that could be used for microsurgical training for practicing anastamoses. I enjoyed working with Omar from the maxfac team under the supervision of Danilo to trial models and be able to refine them into microvascular structures that could accurately resemble microvasculature. I appreciated how knowledgeable the HBI team was about the materials we were using, and their ability to navigate any obstacles I came across in making these models. It was because of this input and advice that I was able to develop more complex models for the maxfac team to work with.<\/p>\n
I look back on my time at HBI with a lot of appreciation, and am continuing to build on the project that was started back in 2023 alongside my degree with Danilo and Omar. I would strongly recommend those keen on doing research in the biomedical engineering realm to consider HBI.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div>\nPeter Storeshaw<\/h3>\n
UQ Engineering Student Develops Custom Photogrammetry Equipment for Design, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance of Personalised Medical Devices<\/strong>
\n
\nProject Title:<\/strong> Custom Photogrammetry Equipment for Design, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance of Personalised Medical Devices.<\/p>\nI spent six months at HBI as part of my Masters industrial placement. As an electrical and biomedical engineering student I was excited to use and improve my skills on a real-world project that could affect the care of patients in the future.<\/p>\n
The project involved the design and implementation of a modular photogrammetry rig tailored for biomedical applications, to assist HBI in capturing and producing accurate 3D models. Current methods have significant limitations when used for certain applications. The device was designed for easy modification and manipulation, allowing for rapid adaptation to various medical applications where current methods are not sufficient.<\/p>\n
The device consists of a number of Raspberry Pi\u2019s that each control a camera and connect to a central computer. The system has been designed such that the number of Raspberry Pi\u2019s is determined by the specific application and can be easily modified. A GUI was developed to control the capture of images, image processing and collection of images from each camera. The image set can then be inspected and used by one of two chosen photogrammetry programs to produce 3D models with removable texture files.<\/p>\n
The system was developed and tested using a 3D printer as a platform, enabling the testing of cameras in any orientation and quantity within the printer\u2019s workspace. Camera number, camera quality, lighting, image orientation, photogrammetry program, camera settings and depth cameras were all investigated or tested using this platform. The system produces 3D models that have a deviation of less than 0.3mm from the initial computer model, in less than ten minutes, with 24 cameras, which is much better than initial requirements.<\/p>\n
My experience with HBI was very rewarding. I have gained invaluable insight into the design and development of biomedical devices, including ensuring compliance with medical standards and regulations. Furthermore, the exposure to HBIs printing lab has improved my knowledge of 3D printing technology. Being in control of the scope, and development of the project has also seen my project management, communication, research and programming skills improve beyond the levels of what a standard university course provides. All of which will aid greatly in my future engineering career.<\/p>\n
I would like to thank all the team members of HBI who were always available to help and whose insights were vital to the end product.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Metro North Health, Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI)<\/h2>\n
Level 12, Block 7
\nRoyal Brisbane and Women\u2019s Hospital
\nHERSTON QLD 4029<\/p>\n
For General Requests: <\/strong>hbi@health.qld.gov.au<\/a><\/p>\nFor Clinical Trials:\u00a0 <\/strong>hbiclinicaltrials@health.qld.gov.au<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
On this page<\/h4><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>HBI contributes to student learning by hosting undergraduate and postgraduate students for course-related placements, subject to project availability. We have supported students from The University of Queensland\u2019s bioengineering and medicine programs, providing hands-on exposure to research and real\u2011world applications. Learn more about our students\u2019 experiences here.<\/p>\n
How to check if you\u2019re eligible for a placement<\/h2>\n
If you’re interested in doing a placement with HBI, your first step is to get in touch with your UQ Employability Team<\/strong>. They\u2019re the best people to help you understand the requirements, guide you through the process, and match your interests with the right opportunity.<\/p>\nYou can find your faculty\u2019s contact details by visiting UQ Careers and Employability (Contact page)<\/a><\/p>\nWant to explore more opportunities? Visit\u00a0UQ Careers and Employability<\/a><\/p>\nNext open day<\/h2>\n
HBI Open day: 31 August 2026<\/strong><\/p>\nDiscover how HBI is integrating innovation into clinical practice. Join us for a tour and showcases featuring personalised medical devices, surgical planning solutions, vascular applications, and clinical training technologies already supporting patient care.<\/p>\n
Express your interest in attending by completing our open day registration form<\/a>.<\/p>\nPlacement opportunities at HBI<\/h2>\n
HBI supports a range of student placements and projects in partnership with\u00a0<\/span>The University of Queensland (UQ)<\/span><\/b>. As placement capacity is limited, HBI primarily supports students undertaking placements that are a formal requirement of their course.<\/span><\/p>\nPlease review the information below to\u00a0determine\u00a0the pathway that applies to you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)\/Master of Engineering (BE(Hons)\/ME)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nHow to apply<\/h3>\n
Students enrolled in this program must apply through the relevant UQ placement process when HBI projects are advertised. HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest outside of this process.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure about the application process, please contact the\u00a0EAIT employability Team<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>MEDI7200: PLS Research in Medicine<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nHow to apply<\/h3>\n
Students enrolled in this course must apply through the relevant UQ placement process when HBI projects are advertised. HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest outside of this process.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure about the application process, please contact\u00a0Medical school student enquiries<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Thesis and Coursework Projects<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nHow to apply<\/h3>\n
Students should only contact HBI\u00a0regarding\u00a0a thesis or coursework project if they already have a UQ supervisor and\/or an HBI staff member who is involved in or supporting the project.<\/p>\n
Students should liaise directly with their relevant HBI staff contact\u00a0regarding\u00a0next steps.<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Engineering Professional Practice (EPP)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nHow to apply<\/h3>\n
HBI occasionally advertises EPP opportunities through:<\/p>\n
\n- UQ Student Hub:\u00a0https:\/\/studenthub.uq.edu.au\/students\/jobs<\/a><\/li>\n
- UQ School and Faculty communications<\/li>\n
- UQ Employability Teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Students are encouraged to regularly\u00a0monitor\u00a0these channels for available opportunities.<\/p>\n
Where no opportunity has been advertised, HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure about the application process, please contact the\u00a0UQ EAIT Employability Team at\u00a0employability@eait.uq.edu.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>UQ Students Contribute to 3D Printed Surgical Training Models, Transforming Clinical Education<\/h3>\nDr. Balaram Ramagiri, MD MBA<\/p><\/div>\n
The 3D\u2011printed ear and temporal bone surgical training model, developed at HBI in collaboration with UQ, has delivered significant impact by making specialist surgical education safer, more accessible and more scalable. Initiated by Dr Emma Kanaganayagam (UQ MPhil), the project produced a highly realistic multi\u2011material model with strong anatomical fidelity and procedural relevance, validated through use in Australian otolaryngology training programs.<\/p>\n
The project received a trainee research award, recognising its innovation and contribution to surgical education. It addresses key limitations of cadaveric training by enabling repeatable, lower\u2011risk practice while improving access and flexibility for trainees.<\/p>\n
Further development led by Dr Balaram Ramagiri (UQ MPhil) has expanded the platform to incorporate pathological variations, enhancing its ability to simulate diverse clinical scenarios. Collectively, the work has strengthened HBI\u2019s capability in advanced multi\u2011material biofabrication and established a scalable platform for surgical training and procedural rehearsal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>Student stories<\/h2>\n<\/div>Tom Monckton<\/h3>\nTom Monckton<\/p><\/div>\n
Tom is a Mechatronics Engineering student completing his BE\/ME industry placement at the Herston Biofabrication Institute, where he is working on the design and development of a high-fidelity surgical training model for lateral canthotomy and cantholysis\u2014an emergency, vision-saving procedure. His project focuses on applying design-for-additive-manufacturing principles to create an anatomically accurate and clinically relevant eye and facial model for surgical education.<\/p>\n
Early in the placement, Tom has been learning how clinical needs, anatomical constraints, and manufacturing limitations intersect, and how rapid prototyping and clinician feedback drive iterative medical device development.<\/p>\n
A key area of learning has been developing and applying Blender skills to design complex, organic anatomical structures that are not easily achievable through traditional parametric CAD modelling. Alongside this, Tom has been gaining exposure to a wide range of additive manufacturing processes used at HBI, building an understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and applications within the medical space.<\/p>\n
Highlights of Tom\u2019s placement include working alongside a highly skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team, exposure to the diverse and innovative projects developed at HBI, and seeing firsthand the breadth of what additive manufacturing can enable in medical and surgical applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Jonathan Basri<\/h3>\nJonathan Basri<\/p><\/div>\n
Jonathan is a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Honours\/Masters) student at the University of Queensland currently undertaking an industry placement with the Herston Biofabrication Institute. As part of his placement, he is working on the mechanical characterisation of additively manufactured photopolymer materials used in biomedical devices and surgical guides.<\/p>\n
His project focuses on investigating how stereolithography (SLA) printing parameters and post-processing conditions influence the tensile performance of cross-linked photopolymer resins. Through experimental testing and materials analysis, Jonathan is working to better understand how manufacturing variables affect properties such as stiffness, strength, and elongation at failure, helping inform the reliable use of additively manufactured components in biomedical applications. From this project Jonathan has developed a strong interest in the SLA process and its potential to enable the rapid fabrication of complex, high-fidelity components for medical and surgical applications.<\/p>\n
Through this work, Jonathan is gaining hands-on experience with additive manufacturing workflows, mechanical testing, and material analysis within a research-driven biomedical engineering environment. A highlight of the placement has been working alongside HBI\u2019s multidisciplinary team and gaining insight into how advanced manufacturing technologies are translated into practical solutions for healthcare and surgical aids.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Nhien Nguyen<\/h3>\n
Project title:<\/strong> Development of a low-cost open-source microvascular training model<\/p>\nThroughout this project, I was very grateful to be working in a team at HBI focussed on educating and helping me make progress through my project even though I was very new to the research world. \u00a0\u00a0My role involved using different types of silicones with varying shore-hardness to create high-fidelity microvascular models that could be used for microsurgical training for practicing anastamoses. I enjoyed working with Omar from the maxfac team under the supervision of Danilo to trial models and be able to refine them into microvascular structures that could accurately resemble microvasculature. I appreciated how knowledgeable the HBI team was about the materials we were using, and their ability to navigate any obstacles I came across in making these models. It was because of this input and advice that I was able to develop more complex models for the maxfac team to work with.<\/p>\n
I look back on my time at HBI with a lot of appreciation, and am continuing to build on the project that was started back in 2023 alongside my degree with Danilo and Omar. I would strongly recommend those keen on doing research in the biomedical engineering realm to consider HBI.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div>\nPeter Storeshaw<\/h3>\n
UQ Engineering Student Develops Custom Photogrammetry Equipment for Design, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance of Personalised Medical Devices<\/strong>
\n
\nProject Title:<\/strong> Custom Photogrammetry Equipment for Design, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance of Personalised Medical Devices.<\/p>\nI spent six months at HBI as part of my Masters industrial placement. As an electrical and biomedical engineering student I was excited to use and improve my skills on a real-world project that could affect the care of patients in the future.<\/p>\n
The project involved the design and implementation of a modular photogrammetry rig tailored for biomedical applications, to assist HBI in capturing and producing accurate 3D models. Current methods have significant limitations when used for certain applications. The device was designed for easy modification and manipulation, allowing for rapid adaptation to various medical applications where current methods are not sufficient.<\/p>\n
The device consists of a number of Raspberry Pi\u2019s that each control a camera and connect to a central computer. The system has been designed such that the number of Raspberry Pi\u2019s is determined by the specific application and can be easily modified. A GUI was developed to control the capture of images, image processing and collection of images from each camera. The image set can then be inspected and used by one of two chosen photogrammetry programs to produce 3D models with removable texture files.<\/p>\n
The system was developed and tested using a 3D printer as a platform, enabling the testing of cameras in any orientation and quantity within the printer\u2019s workspace. Camera number, camera quality, lighting, image orientation, photogrammetry program, camera settings and depth cameras were all investigated or tested using this platform. The system produces 3D models that have a deviation of less than 0.3mm from the initial computer model, in less than ten minutes, with 24 cameras, which is much better than initial requirements.<\/p>\n
My experience with HBI was very rewarding. I have gained invaluable insight into the design and development of biomedical devices, including ensuring compliance with medical standards and regulations. Furthermore, the exposure to HBIs printing lab has improved my knowledge of 3D printing technology. Being in control of the scope, and development of the project has also seen my project management, communication, research and programming skills improve beyond the levels of what a standard university course provides. All of which will aid greatly in my future engineering career.<\/p>\n
I would like to thank all the team members of HBI who were always available to help and whose insights were vital to the end product.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Metro North Health, Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI)<\/h2>\n
Level 12, Block 7
\nRoyal Brisbane and Women\u2019s Hospital
\nHERSTON QLD 4029<\/p>\n
For General Requests: <\/strong>hbi@health.qld.gov.au<\/a><\/p>\nFor Clinical Trials:\u00a0 <\/strong>hbiclinicaltrials@health.qld.gov.au<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"View](\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/herston-biofabrication-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/students.jpg\")
HBI contributes to student learning by hosting undergraduate and postgraduate students for course-related placements, subject to project availability. We have supported students from The University of Queensland\u2019s bioengineering and medicine programs, providing hands-on exposure to research and real\u2011world applications. Learn more about our students\u2019 experiences here.<\/p>\n
How to check if you\u2019re eligible for a placement<\/h2>\n
If you’re interested in doing a placement with HBI, your first step is to get in touch with your UQ Employability Team<\/strong>. They\u2019re the best people to help you understand the requirements, guide you through the process, and match your interests with the right opportunity.<\/p>\n You can find your faculty\u2019s contact details by visiting UQ Careers and Employability (Contact page)<\/a><\/p>\n Want to explore more opportunities? Visit\u00a0UQ Careers and Employability<\/a><\/p>\n HBI Open day: 31 August 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Discover how HBI is integrating innovation into clinical practice. Join us for a tour and showcases featuring personalised medical devices, surgical planning solutions, vascular applications, and clinical training technologies already supporting patient care.<\/p>\n Express your interest in attending by completing our open day registration form<\/a>.<\/p>\n HBI supports a range of student placements and projects in partnership with\u00a0<\/span>The University of Queensland (UQ)<\/span><\/b>. As placement capacity is limited, HBI primarily supports students undertaking placements that are a formal requirement of their course.<\/span><\/p>\n Please review the information below to\u00a0determine\u00a0the pathway that applies to you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> Students enrolled in this program must apply through the relevant UQ placement process when HBI projects are advertised. HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest outside of this process.<\/p>\n If you are unsure about the application process, please contact the\u00a0EAIT employability Team<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Students enrolled in this course must apply through the relevant UQ placement process when HBI projects are advertised. HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest outside of this process.<\/p>\n If you are unsure about the application process, please contact\u00a0Medical school student enquiries<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div> Students should only contact HBI\u00a0regarding\u00a0a thesis or coursework project if they already have a UQ supervisor and\/or an HBI staff member who is involved in or supporting the project.<\/p>\n Students should liaise directly with their relevant HBI staff contact\u00a0regarding\u00a0next steps.<\/div><\/div><\/div> HBI occasionally advertises EPP opportunities through:<\/p>\n Students are encouraged to regularly\u00a0monitor\u00a0these channels for available opportunities.<\/p>\n Where no opportunity has been advertised, HBI is unable to accept expressions of interest.<\/p>\n If you are unsure about the application process, please contact the\u00a0UQ EAIT Employability Team at\u00a0employability@eait.uq.edu.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> Dr. Balaram Ramagiri, MD MBA<\/p><\/div>\n The 3D\u2011printed ear and temporal bone surgical training model, developed at HBI in collaboration with UQ, has delivered significant impact by making specialist surgical education safer, more accessible and more scalable. Initiated by Dr Emma Kanaganayagam (UQ MPhil), the project produced a highly realistic multi\u2011material model with strong anatomical fidelity and procedural relevance, validated through use in Australian otolaryngology training programs.<\/p>\n The project received a trainee research award, recognising its innovation and contribution to surgical education. It addresses key limitations of cadaveric training by enabling repeatable, lower\u2011risk practice while improving access and flexibility for trainees.<\/p>\n Further development led by Dr Balaram Ramagiri (UQ MPhil) has expanded the platform to incorporate pathological variations, enhancing its ability to simulate diverse clinical scenarios. Collectively, the work has strengthened HBI\u2019s capability in advanced multi\u2011material biofabrication and established a scalable platform for surgical training and procedural rehearsal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Tom Monckton<\/p><\/div>\n Tom is a Mechatronics Engineering student completing his BE\/ME industry placement at the Herston Biofabrication Institute, where he is working on the design and development of a high-fidelity surgical training model for lateral canthotomy and cantholysis\u2014an emergency, vision-saving procedure. His project focuses on applying design-for-additive-manufacturing principles to create an anatomically accurate and clinically relevant eye and facial model for surgical education.<\/p>\n Early in the placement, Tom has been learning how clinical needs, anatomical constraints, and manufacturing limitations intersect, and how rapid prototyping and clinician feedback drive iterative medical device development.<\/p>\n A key area of learning has been developing and applying Blender skills to design complex, organic anatomical structures that are not easily achievable through traditional parametric CAD modelling. Alongside this, Tom has been gaining exposure to a wide range of additive manufacturing processes used at HBI, building an understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and applications within the medical space.<\/p>\n Highlights of Tom\u2019s placement include working alongside a highly skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team, exposure to the diverse and innovative projects developed at HBI, and seeing firsthand the breadth of what additive manufacturing can enable in medical and surgical applications.<\/p>\n<\/div> Jonathan Basri<\/p><\/div>\n Jonathan is a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Honours\/Masters) student at the University of Queensland currently undertaking an industry placement with the Herston Biofabrication Institute. As part of his placement, he is working on the mechanical characterisation of additively manufactured photopolymer materials used in biomedical devices and surgical guides.<\/p>\n His project focuses on investigating how stereolithography (SLA) printing parameters and post-processing conditions influence the tensile performance of cross-linked photopolymer resins. Through experimental testing and materials analysis, Jonathan is working to better understand how manufacturing variables affect properties such as stiffness, strength, and elongation at failure, helping inform the reliable use of additively manufactured components in biomedical applications. From this project Jonathan has developed a strong interest in the SLA process and its potential to enable the rapid fabrication of complex, high-fidelity components for medical and surgical applications.<\/p>\n Through this work, Jonathan is gaining hands-on experience with additive manufacturing workflows, mechanical testing, and material analysis within a research-driven biomedical engineering environment. A highlight of the placement has been working alongside HBI\u2019s multidisciplinary team and gaining insight into how advanced manufacturing technologies are translated into practical solutions for healthcare and surgical aids.<\/p>\n<\/div> Project title:<\/strong> Development of a low-cost open-source microvascular training model<\/p>\n I look back on my time at HBI with a lot of appreciation, and am continuing to build on the project that was started back in 2023 alongside my degree with Danilo and Omar. I would strongly recommend those keen on doing research in the biomedical engineering realm to consider HBI.<\/p>\n<\/div> UQ Engineering Student Develops Custom Photogrammetry Equipment for Design, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance of Personalised Medical Devices<\/strong> I spent six months at HBI as part of my Masters industrial placement. As an electrical and biomedical engineering student I was excited to use and improve my skills on a real-world project that could affect the care of patients in the future.<\/p>\n The project involved the design and implementation of a modular photogrammetry rig tailored for biomedical applications, to assist HBI in capturing and producing accurate 3D models. Current methods have significant limitations when used for certain applications. The device was designed for easy modification and manipulation, allowing for rapid adaptation to various medical applications where current methods are not sufficient.<\/p>\n The system was developed and tested using a 3D printer as a platform, enabling the testing of cameras in any orientation and quantity within the printer\u2019s workspace. Camera number, camera quality, lighting, image orientation, photogrammetry program, camera settings and depth cameras were all investigated or tested using this platform. The system produces 3D models that have a deviation of less than 0.3mm from the initial computer model, in less than ten minutes, with 24 cameras, which is much better than initial requirements.<\/p>\n I would like to thank all the team members of HBI who were always available to help and whose insights were vital to the end product.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Level 12, Block 7 For General Requests: <\/strong>hbi@health.qld.gov.au<\/a><\/p>\n For Clinical Trials:\u00a0 <\/strong>hbiclinicaltrials@health.qld.gov.au<\/a>Next open day<\/h2>\n
Placement opportunities at HBI<\/h2>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)\/Master of Engineering (BE(Hons)\/ME)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
How to apply<\/h3>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>MEDI7200: PLS Research in Medicine<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
How to apply<\/h3>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Thesis and Coursework Projects<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
How to apply<\/h3>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Engineering Professional Practice (EPP)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
How to apply<\/h3>\n
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UQ Students Contribute to 3D Printed Surgical Training Models, Transforming Clinical Education<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/herston-biofabrication-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/balaram-ramagiri.jpg\")
Student stories<\/h2>\n<\/div>
Tom Monckton<\/h3>\n
![\"Tom](\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/herston-biofabrication-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/tom-monckton.jpg\")
Jonathan Basri<\/h3>\n
![\"Jonathan](\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/herston-biofabrication-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/jonathan-basri.jpg\")
Nhien Nguyen<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/herston-biofabrication-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/nhien-nguyen.jpg\")
Throughout this project, I was very grateful to be working in a team at HBI focussed on educating and helping me make progress through my project even though I was very new to the research world. \u00a0\u00a0My role involved using different types of silicones with varying shore-hardness to create high-fidelity microvascular models that could be used for microsurgical training for practicing anastamoses. I enjoyed working with Omar from the maxfac team under the supervision of Danilo to trial models and be able to refine them into microvascular structures that could accurately resemble microvasculature. I appreciated how knowledgeable the HBI team was about the materials we were using, and their ability to navigate any obstacles I came across in making these models. It was because of this input and advice that I was able to develop more complex models for the maxfac team to work with.<\/p>\nPeter Storeshaw<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/herston-biofabrication-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/peter-storeshaw-1.jpg\")
\nProject Title:<\/strong> Custom Photogrammetry Equipment for Design, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance of Personalised Medical Devices.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/herston-biofabrication-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/engstudentphotogrammetry.png\")
The device consists of a number of Raspberry Pi\u2019s that each control a camera and connect to a central computer. The system has been designed such that the number of Raspberry Pi\u2019s is determined by the specific application and can be easily modified. A GUI was developed to control the capture of images, image processing and collection of images from each camera. The image set can then be inspected and used by one of two chosen photogrammetry programs to produce 3D models with removable texture files.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/herston-biofabrication-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/peter-storeshaw-2.jpg\")
My experience with HBI was very rewarding. I have gained invaluable insight into the design and development of biomedical devices, including ensuring compliance with medical standards and regulations. Furthermore, the exposure to HBIs printing lab has improved my knowledge of 3D printing technology. Being in control of the scope, and development of the project has also seen my project management, communication, research and programming skills improve beyond the levels of what a standard university course provides. All of which will aid greatly in my future engineering career.<\/p>\nMetro North Health, Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI)<\/h2>\n
\nRoyal Brisbane and Women\u2019s Hospital
\nHERSTON QLD 4029<\/p>\n
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