Meet Professor Jess Frith from the MedTech Commercialisation Advancement Program (MCAP)

06 May 2025

The MIME MedTech Commercialisation Advancement Program (MCAP) provides focused assistance to early stage technologies developed by teams of multidisciplinary medical technology innovators from universities and healthcare facilities. We spoke to Professor Jess Frith who was involved in the MIME MCAP program during 2024.

What is your background?

I began my career as a cell biologist, earning a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Biology from the University of York, UK. Driven by a desire to apply engineering principles to tissue regeneration, I undertook a postdoctoral position at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Brisbane, where I expanded my expertise across biomaterials and bioengineering. In 2015, I joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Monash University, where I have since established a thriving interdisciplinary research group and progressed to my current role as Professor and Deputy Head of Department. Throughout my career, I have been supported by Australian Research Council DECRA and Future Fellowships, and in 2017, I was honoured with a Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award.

Can you tell us about your main area of research and the projects you lead?

The goal of my research is to understand how cells respond to the physical cues in their environment and to use this knowledge to develop technologies that can restore the function of damaged or diseased tissues. At its core, our work focuses on creating new bioengineering tools that help unravel the complex biological processes governing how cells sense and respond to factors such as tissue stiffness and surface topography. We then apply these insights to develop innovative solutions for tissue repair—including advanced biomaterials for cell therapy manufacturing, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and surface modifications that enhance the integration of biomedical implants with surrounding tissues.

Current projects in the lab include:

• A light-responsive hydrogel that stiffens or softens under blue or green light, used to investigate how stem cells respond to dynamic changes in tissue mechanics.
• Exploration of how specific microscale surface patterns influence cell behaviour, particularly their capacity to promote healing in bone and skin.
• A collaborative project with Professor Tony Goldschlager (Monash Health) to develop a therapy for repairing damaged intervertebral discs, combining a biomaterial scaffold, therapeutic drug, and stem cells.

Can you tell us about your involvement in the MIME MedTech Commercialisation Advancement Program (MCAP)?

Our MCAP project team comprises myself, Professor Nico Voelcker, Associate Professor Victor Cadarso, and our clinical partner, Professor Peter Ebeling, a renowned orthopaedic specialist. Together, we are developing a technology that applies microscale textures to implant surfaces to enhance integration with the body and reduce the risk of infection.

Our goal is to decrease the number of patients requiring revision surgeries—procedures that significantly affect quality of life and place a substantial burden on the healthcare system.

In 2024, we participated in the MCAP program as part of our ongoing effort to translate this technology from the lab bench to real-world application.

How did the MCAP help you in your translational research innovation journey?

As an academic researcher, the MCAP program was invaluable in guiding me through the key considerations involved in developing a medical product. At each stage, the MCAP team supported us in understanding core principles and applying them to our specific technology. This included market analysis, clinical strategy, and thoughtful exercises to map the potential impact of our innovation—from both the patient’s perspective and that of the clinician using the implant. Through this process, we also identified critical data gaps and are now actively working to generate the evidence needed to advance to the next stage.

Who has influenced your research the most and why?

A pivotal moment in my career was as a PhD student when I attended a conference talk by Professor Chris Chen (Boston University). This was the first time I had seen work that so clearly demonstrated how mechanical factors could influence cells, an idea that immediately sparked my curiosity and set me on a path toward bioengineering—driven by the idea that we could harness these principles to develop the next generation of cell and tissue engineering therapies.

After deciding to pursue bioengineering, I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when I moved to Australia. The group I joined at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) had a vibrant cohort of PhD students and postdocs, creating an environment that was both intellectually curious and highly collaborative. Many from that group have gone on to become leaders in bioengineering and regenerative medicine, both in Australia and internationally. I think that speaks volumes about the strength of the ideas we explored together—often rigorously debated in the lab or over morning coffee.

I also feel very privileged to work alongside my colleagues in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and wider Monash community. When I joined as a young academic, I was warmly welcomed and quickly integrated into several research projects. It was an invaluable experience—I learned so much by observing the different ways people approached research, developed ideas, and engaged with students and collaborators. Those experiences have deeply shaped my own perspective, and I hope I’ve been able to bring the best of what I saw into the way our team works today.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?

On the technical side, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an idea come to life—being the first in the world to discover something or make a technology work is an incredible feeling. While I’m not often hands-on in the lab these days, I find just as much satisfaction in mentoring and guiding my team. Helping others reach those breakthrough moments and achieve their own goals is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Being awarded an ARC DECRA Fellowship was truly a turning point. It was the first time I received grant funding to pursue an idea that was entirely my own. The fellowship gave me the opportunity to join Monash and begin building my research team, but it also led to work I’m particularly proud of. Through that project, I discovered how microRNAs—a specific class of regulatory molecules—contribute to how cells respond to different tissue stiffness. We then used that insight to develop a technology that enhances bone formation tenfold compared to conventional approaches.

What advice would you give to students interested in your field of study?

Find something you are truly interested in. I think we all do our best work when we're genuinely excited about what we're exploring. Research is thrilling because you're tackling something new and untested—but that also means it can be tough. Success often requires persistence, so it's important to choose a direction that truly inspires you and give it your all.

What are your future research plans?

On a day-to-day basis, my goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at the interface between cell biology and bioengineering. We're constantly innovating with new biomaterials and fabrication technologies to precisely control the environment around cells. I’m particularly excited about several ongoing projects that are using these to uncover what drives cellular behaviour and how this contributes to tissue formation and repair.

In the longer term, I hope my research leads to real-world impact—whether through new knowledge or technologies that can change medical practice and improve lives. One example is our project within the MCAP scheme, where we're working to advance our surface patterning technology. The aim is to reduce the failure rate of orthopaedic implants, and I’m hopeful that this work can one day lead to meaningful improvements in patient outcomes.

I’m also passionate about bridging the gap between biology and engineering. We have a fantastic research network at Monash, and have been steadily building connections to tackle complex interdisciplinary problems. My aim is to keep strengthening this initiative so we’re well-positioned to develop new solutions for tissue repair and regeneration.

Learn more on the MIME MedTech Commercialisation Advancement Program (MCAP) here.