Professor Andreas Fouras

Brief description

Andreas Fouras is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and an NHMRC Career Development Fellow. He leads the Laboratory for Dynamic Imaging at Monash University. Andreas’s research focuses on developing new imaging technology and applying this technology to the benefit of medical science and clinical practice. He has developed extensive expertise in the in vivo measurement of motion and flow utilising a range of modalities spanning the visible to X-ray spectra. His keen interest in mechanobiology - the study of physical forces in biomedical processes - has led to developments of new imaging technology that unlock this knowledge.

Full description

Some of Andreas’s notable technology achievements include: the development of a 4D X-ray based imaging modality that measures tissue motion with very high temporal and spatial resolution for very low levels of X-ray dose; a tool for capturing and analysing haemodynamic forces involved in platelet aggregation and thrombus growth; and more recently, development of a powerful imaging and modelling toolbox to study the developing embryo. Use of these tools has led to significant research findings. The platelet aggregation study found that haemodynamic shear alone, in the absence of soluble agonists, could be responsible for platelet aggregation (published in Nature Medicine 2009). The 4D X-ray modality has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of the lungs and diseases that affect the lungs. Small animal studies in models of Cystic Fibrosis, neonatal ventilation, pulmonary fibrosis, Asthma have all demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology and are generating significant levels of attention from both academic and commercial interests, including the largest NHMRC Development Grant awarded to date to translate the technology to the clinic. The embryo toolbox has already generated findings in opposition to the current state of knowledge showing that during the 8-32 cell stage, development is controlled directly by the balance of forces within the embryo. Beyond academia, Andreas is keen to articulate his research to the general public through significant media engagement - and has done so in print, radio, TV, and through various public lectures that highlight how a mechanical engineer’s training with collaboration from expert medical professionals, can advise new imaging tools to give a new and useful perspective for the study of biological systems. Andreas also strives to raise the profile of young Australian researchers through influencing science policy, specifically around innovation, early career researchers and interdisciplinary research. He is appointed as an Australian Academy of Science EMCR Forum Committee Member, and has recently participated in AAS’s Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank, ADC Forum’s National Infrastructure and Cities Summit, as well as Science Meets Parliament.