Te Titoki Mataora MedTech Seminar Series #3

Real stories. Real impact. Real pathways from research to MedTech innovation.

Proudly hosted by the Te Tītoki Mataora Future Leaders Module, this national seminar series spotlights emerging and established MedTech leaders who are turning academic research into real-world health solutions. This session is for PhD students, postdocs, clinician-scientists, engineers, and anyone curious about translating research into impact.

Locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington & Online (Hybrid)

Programme

12:00 – 12:10: Welcome + housekeeping

12:10 – 12:40: Keynote presentation Prof Denise Taylor

Oh Look, Another Shiny Doohickey: A Clinician's View of Research and Innovation

Professor Denise Taylor is a Professor of Physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology and director of New Zealand Dizziness and Balance Centre. She is also a leading researcher in neurological rehabilitation, vestibular disorders, and rehabilitation technology. Her work focuses on translating innovative technologies and neuroscience into practical solutions that improve patient outcomes. In this talk, Professor Taylor examines research and innovation through a clinician’s lens, highlighting the importance of ensuring that new ideas and technologies deliver meaningful benefits for patients and clinical practice.

12:40 – 12:50: ECR speaker #1 Dr. Usman Ghani

Stop Assuming, Start Asking: An Engineer's Lesson in Health Tech

Dr. Usman is a research fellow in the Centre of Chiropractic research at New Zealand College of Chiropractic. In this talk, he will share insights from his journey as an engineer working in health technology, highlighting how successful innovation depends on collaboration and asking the right questions to develop technology solutions that truly improve healthcare outcomes.

12:50 – 13:00: ECR speaker #2 Dr Naaz Shaikh

Human-Centred Immersive Technologies: Designing Virtual Reality for Pain, Participation, and Everyday Life

Dr Nusratnaaz (Naaz) Shaikh is a Senior Lecturer and Early Career Researcher in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney. In this talk, she will be sharing insights from developing culturally responsive VR interventions for complex regional pain syndrome and immersive shopping applications designed for older adults and people with vision or cognitive impairments. Through case studies, she will discuss how co-design, and cultural responsiveness can help bridge the gap between technological innovation and meaningful health outcomes.

13:00 – 13:20: Hybrid discussion

Register here

EOI of being a speaker here

Save the dates - 2026 upcoming seminar series:

• 4th Seminar: Monday 7 September, 12:00–1:05 pm 

• 5th Seminar: Monday 19 October, 12:00–1:05 pm

• 6th Seminar: Monday 16 November, 12:00–1:05 pm