About MBSI
Technology is fast becoming a ubiquitous and indispensable tool within advancing clinical medicine and the wider biosciences. Its applications hold tremendous potential for improving outcomes in areas including patient care, clinical efficiency, and scientific research.
In 2021, a group of university students in Melbourne understood the need and potential of a collaborative space where young people interested in medical technology (MedTech) and biological technology (BioTech) can unite to jointly explore this passion. Our student founders hailed from diverse educational backgrounds, including medicine, biomedical science, engineering, computer science, and commerce.
To realise this vision, the Melbourne Bioinnovation Student Initiative (MBSI) was founded. Our core mission endeavours “to provide a space for like-minded young people, from all disciplines and backgrounds, to explore shared interests in bio- and medical technology”.
MBSI is an incorporated nonprofit and charity organisation (registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission). Since its inception with eighteen members in January 2021, MBSI has experienced remarkable growth, now boasting hundreds of active member-volunteers and alumni. Our membership includes university students, recent graduates and young professionals, whose educational backgrounds reflect the diversity we seek to achieve: medicine, engineering, physical sciences, computer sciences, data sciences, biosciences, law and commerce.
Our Mission
MBSI's mission is to provide a space for like-minded young people, from all disciplines and backgrounds, to explore shared interests in bio- and medical technology.
Our Structure
MBSI is governed by a Board of Directors, who are elected by our members. The vision of the Board and MBSI’s founders is carried out by the Executive and other constituent committees, entirely composed of volunteers, who are appointed via a competitive application and interview process.
The vast majority of members are university students aged between 17 and 28. Student-members and alumni come from the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Deakin University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and La Trobe University, with inter-state representation from the University of Queensland. Our non-student volunteers include recent university graduates and other young people employed in a variety of professional careers, ranging from junior doctors, engineers, data scientists, research scientists and venture capitalists.
MBSI recognises some STEM fields, especially engineering, have high male representation, and celebrates the critical role that women play in STEM. As such, we have proactively engaged in recruiting female volunteers, reflecting our desire to promote women in STEM. At present, female volunteers account for a large proportion of our membership, with a number of Projects led by female volunteers, and our annual Biodesign Competition typically hosts more female participants than male. MBSI’s volunteer base is also composed of individuals from diverse ethnic and national backgrounds, reflecting our dedication to embracing and celebrating diversity.
We are proud that MBSI offers a supportive environment, and opportunities for professional development through our initiatives, FOR ALL.