Multiple Material 3D Printing for Medical Modelling and Simulation

Medical modelling is the term used to describe the replication or simulation of anatomical structures using 3D Printing (also known as Additive Manufacturing). Typically this has related to the manufacture of models of bones and skeletal anatomy which are used to help diagnosis, training, surgical planning and implant manufacture. The replication of soft tissues and organs is however, more challenging and the subject of this PhD would be to explore how 3D Printing materials and processes can be adapted to accurately reproduce soft tissue anatomy. One possible application of this would be the ability to create accurate models of anatomy for training surgeons in minimally invasive surgical (keyhole surgery) techniques.

A particular interest is in simulating soft tissues and musculo-skeletal constructs; ‎e.g. muscle-tendon-‎bone, bone-cartilage and or bone-ligament junctions.

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in industrial /product design, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage; Medical/clinical engineering, medical physics, industrial/product design, materials/mechanical /manufacturing engineering.

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/.  Under programme name, select Loughborough Design School  

Please quote reference number: LDS/RJBAB/2017