2024 Eureka Prize for innovative regenerative therapies

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes is Australia’s most prestigious science and technology awards, rewarding excellence in innovation, research, leadership, science engagement and sustainability. 

UTS Biomedical Engineer Dr Jiao Jiao Li won the Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science for her work in regenerative medicine, envisioning a future where stem cells and bioactive materials can be ‘personalised’ to provide effective treatments. 

“Current clinical trials of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis may show short-term improvements, but struggle to show consistent results or sustained, long-term benefits, even after multiple injections,” Dr Li explains.

“Rather than using stem cells directly, I’m examining the potential of the nano-scale packages they produce. These nano-scale packages contain a wealth of bioactive factors which I’m looking to optimise as an off-the-shelf ‘magic potion’ for treating osteoarthritis."

"It’s exciting to be working at the frontiers of stem cell science, where we’re bringing together the diverse fields of engineering, nanotechnology, computational science and regenerative medicine to help people in need."

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Chris Turney, celebrated the outstanding achievements of Dr Li.

Dr Jiao Jiao Li's amazing success is a fabulous example of the crucial role universities play in advancing research and improving lives in our communities.

Professor Chris Turney, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

"Jiao Jiao's wonderful work in regenerative medicine is having such a significant impact on those with bone and joint diseases, and also inspiring the next generation of researchers," he says.

Transcript

0:00

I believe that everyone is entitled to

0:02

healthy aging my research program in

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regenerative medicine finds new ways to

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treat burn and Joint diseases using stem

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cell Biotherapeutics bioactive materials

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and org chip devices my goal is to bring

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medical Technologies from the laboratory

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to patients in this journey I'm

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passionate about supporting people

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promoting underrepresented groups and

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fostering the growth of a diverse and

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inclu

Read more about Dr Jiao Jiao Li's research here.