Posted: 19 November 2025
The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) marked a historic milestone, as partners, supporters and guests gathered to recognise the creation of Australia’s first hospital-integrated biomedical engineering research and education hub. Held ahead of the formal opening scheduled for 2026, the event was framed as a moment to acknowledge the original vision of Venerable Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity, whose legacy underpinned the collaboration that has carried ACMD from concept to reality.
ACMD CEO Jeff Malone opened the proceedings, welcoming guests and acknowledging the hundreds of people across partner organisations whose collective efforts have brought ACMD to life. “People look at ACMD and ask how many staff we have,” he said. “I say twelve in-house and hundreds across our partners. It’s really all of you who have helped make this possible.” His remarks set the tone for an afternoon centred on shared purpose and long-term ambition.
The gathering was further addressed by Chris Blake, Group CEO of St Vincent’s Health Australia and ACMD Board Member, who reflected on the Sisters of Charity’s enduring commitment to compassion and excellence. He emphasised that rapid advances in healthcare would demand bold innovation, observing that ACMD had been positioned as a place where clinical practice and research intersect. Reference was made to initiatives already progressing within the Centre, including AI-enabled breast cancer screening, advanced 3D-printed bone and cartilage reconstruction, and implantable neurological monitoring devices. He also acknowledged the leadership of ACMD Chair Brenda Shanahan AO, remarking that her persistence had been instrumental in bringing the initiative to this point.
Professor Michael Wesley, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, spoke on behalf of academic and research partners, highlighting ACMD as a model of collaborative practice.
The ceremony concluded with reflections from Brenda Shanahan AO, who emphasised the shift from siloed disciplines to a culture of integrated problem-solving. Guests then toured the facility and gathered in the Ian Potter Research Lounge, where the prevailing message centred on partnership as the driving force shaping the future of healthcare innovation.
