Inaugural Professorial Lecture – Professor George Dias

About Professor Dias' research.

George’s research focus is on biomaterials. His background in dentistry and surgery compliments this background. He pioneered the development of bone-graft substitutes from wool protein. His team also developed an extremely efficient and cost effective method to extract high-quality dietary protein from wool with unique health benefits.

These proteins are being modified for 3D printing to design replacements for materials currently used in plastics such as toys and food packaging. They could also be used for electrospinning to develop fine fibres for smart garments.

These endeavours will contribute to New Zealand’s high-value functional food and technology industries. George and his collaborators are also designing and fabricating metal plates and screws that break down safely in the body and are extremely useful to treat bone fractures. This innovation will reduce patient recovery time by faster bone healing. Eliminating the need for subsequent removal will greatly reduce health costs.

Refreshments will be served after the lecture.