Marine Biomedical co-hosts the Musculoskeletal Summit (MSK) 2023 in Broome
In late June and early July, Broome witnessed a groundbreaking event as Marine Biomedical proudly co-hosted the prestigious MSK Summit. Alongside esteemed partners like The University of Western Australia, Orthocell Ltd, The International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society (ICMRS), Willie Creek Pearls, The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, the Kimberley Development Commission, and Business Events WA, the summit brought together 40 national and international delegates to the beautiful coastal town.
Professor Minghao Zheng, a renowned figure in the field, orchestrated a remarkable gathering that merged cutting-edge research with technical innovation. As the Chair of the MSK Organising Committee, President of ICMRS, and a respected Professor of Orthopaedics at UWA's School of Surgery, Professor Zheng's co-founding roles in Orthocell Ltd and Marine Biomedical Pty Ltd underscored the real-world impact of musculoskeletal health advancements.
The summit wasn't just about academic discussions; it embraced the essence of Broome's heritage and cultural charm. The delegates were treated to a special visit to the renowned Willie Creek Pearl Farm, located just 45 km north of Broome. There, they saw how the supply of material to Marine Biomedical contributed to the genesis of PearlBone™, the pioneering bone substitute created from the region's pristine marine resources. The Banfield Family and Mr. Robert Banfield, Chairman of Willie Creek Pearls, graciously guided guests through the farm, providing them with an up-close experience of pearl harvesting and the pearling industry's rich history.
For Mr. Banfield, who has been a vocal advocate for exploring new possibilities with mother of pearl, a by-product of Western Australia's pearling industry, the summit was a momentous occasion. Engaging with esteemed experts in musculoskeletal research and sharing insights about PearlBone™’s potential as a natural bone substitute with renowned orthopaedic surgeons, including Professor David Brogan, Professor Stuart Goodman, Dr. Chao Wan, Professor Richard Carey-Smith, and Professor Regis O'Keefe, was truly inspiring.
The grand finale of the summit was the much-awaited Conference dinner, held at "The Pearl Luggers" venue in Broome's vibrant Chinatown. Hosted graciously by Willie Creek Pearls, the evening featured a captivating pearling presentation at the pearling memorabilia museum, a tour of the showroom, and a chance for one fortunate MSK Summit attendee to harvest, buy, and have made into jewellery, their very own Broome pearl.
Professor Zheng said “It was an honour to welcome the WA Premier, The Honourable Roger Cook who made a surprise visit at our welcome drinks on the first evening, and also for The Honourable Stephen Dawson, Minister for Emergency Services; Innovation and the Digital Economy; Science; Medical Research; Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade to officially open our Summit.” Professor Zheng added that “Minister Dawson is particularly passionate about science and medical research in our state, and has been supportive of Marine Biomedical’s quest to bring biotech and diversification to regional WA”.
Marine Biomedical looks forward to hosting more medical summits and conferences in Broome in the future, aiming to showcase the region's untapped "scientific tourism" potential. Simultaneously, the company remains steadfast in its mission to develop the biomedical industry in the region, with the sincere hope of attracting more biotech professionals to the vibrant and thriving northern landscape.
