Professor Klaus Schindhelm has significantly enhanced Australia's international leadership in the area of medical devices/materials as a result of his successful research, development and translation into commercial reality. His research at UNSW has been instrumental in development of (i) artificial organ systems, focusing on mass transfer of artificial kidney systems; and(ii) biomaterials for contact lens applications, where the biocompatible/ functional aspects of polymers were developed that contributed to the world's first commercial extended wear soft contact lenses. Research led by Professor Schindhelm at ResMed resulted in computerised methods to detect/treat abnormal breathing in sleep, thus securing the international market for this Australian company.