ECU Researcher Michella Hill
Following on from her impressive win at the INCITE Awards in July, Edith Cowan University (ECU) PhD Candidate Michella Hill has won a merit award in the Government and Public Sector category at the National iAwards in Adelaide for her NEONATE in VR project.
The National iAwards is Australia's most prominent and longest-running innovation recognition program presented by the Australian Information Industry Association. The iAwards aims to celebrate and showcase leading projects that are creating a real difference both at home and abroad, including companies such Google Maps, Atlassian and WiseTech Global.
NEONATE in VR was designed to train paramedics, paramedic students, volunteer ambulance officers, and nursing and midwifery students. The training is geared towards enhancing ability and confidence in managing rare birth emergencies that are difficult to replicate.
The program focuses on key aspects such as temperature management, respiratory distress, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). NEONATE in VR is an interactive virtual reality simulation that guides users through these critical neonatal care scenarios.
Michella's success at the INCITE Awards and the iAwards entitles her to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards, in Taiwan, in December this year.
APICTA is a global awards program focused on information and communication technology (ICT) innovation. A key goal of the program is building awareness of the digital divide that exists, and to incubate creative and world leading solutions.
Current members of APICTA include Australia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka, among the 17 current member economies. Allowing for research to be shared within the Asia Pacific region and foster future development.
In a letter of support, The WA Innovation, Technology & Talent Alliance (WAITTA), which has ownership of the INCITE Awards, noted that the NEONATE in VR project had significant potential to resonate across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly given its relevance to countries where out-of-hospital births and related deaths were common.
In the letter, WAITTA said that training solutions such as NEONATE in VR could have a lasting impact on health outcomes and workforce readiness across diverse communities, as well as adding demonstrable proof of ECU's reputation in delivering world class education, research and cutting-edge innovations.
Michella and the Simulation and Immersive Digital Technology team will look at potential commercialisation opportunities for NEONATE in VR and will explore avenues for various uses in advanced medical situations. The main goal is to improve the competency and capabilities of medical professionals involved and improve healthcare in Australia.
