Michael Simmonds

Professor Michael Simmonds is a distinguished academic at Griffith University, currently serving as Professor in the School of Health Sciences - Exercise Science since January 2025. Previously, he held positions as Associate Professor (2021-2024), Senior Lecturer (2016-2021), and Lecturer (2013-2015) at Griffith University. He also maintains international connections as a Visiting Professor at the University of Saarland in Germany (2023) and previously at Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln (2015).

His academic journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy in physiology, biophysics, and blood rheology from Griffith University (2007-2011) and a Bachelor of Science (Hons Class I) from the same institution (2003-2006). Before his academic career, he worked as a Senior Polysomnographer and Polysomnographer in sleep disorder clinics.

Professor Simmonds' research focuses on mechanobiology and blood rheology, specifically exploring how artificial life support devices affect blood properties through multi-scale mechanobiological projects. His work examines how artificial materials and high mechanical forces change blood cell structure and function, with particular emphasis on sub-lethal damage to erythrocytes. He heads the GU Mechanobiology Research Laboratory, which he conceived in 2013 and later merged with Prof. Geoff Tansley's team. His laboratory integrates biological and engineering approaches to improve cardiothoracic surgery outcomes by understanding blood-device interactions.

His publication portfolio reveals a strong focus on blood rheology, mechanobiology, and artificial organ development. Recent works (2023-2025) demonstrate continued leadership in understanding blood-device interactions, erythrocyte mechanotransduction, and hemocompatibility testing of cardiac assist devices. His research spans fundamental physiology to clinical applications, with particular emphasis on Piezo1 channels in red blood cells, blood quality in mechanical circulatory support, and implications for diabetes and cardiovascular health.

• Young Tall Poppy Award (2018)
• Flying Scientist (2019)
• Rising Star Award (International Society for Biorheology, 2021)
• Emerging Leader (Australian Financial Review, 2022)
• ISCH Research Award (2012)

Professor Simmonds has supervised numerous PhD and Masters students, with current supervisees focusing on macrophage clearance of damaged red cells, nanobubbles in cavitation processes, synthetic erythrocyte analogues, blood filtration processes, and blood trauma in medical devices. His laboratory collaborates with mechanical engineers, medical doctors, and scientific bodies to drive research that bridges engineering and biology. He serves on the Executive Board of the International Society for Clinical Hemorheology and has co-directed the Perfusion and Anaesthetic Research Collaborative (PARC), recognized by Qld Health. His research is supported by competitive grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Professor Simmonds is actively involved in the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute (QUATRI) and has served on various university committees including the Research Committee and Equipment Advisory Committee. His vision centers on promoting health and life satisfaction for those requiring cardiothoracic surgery through improved artificial life support technologies that better understand and minimize blood trauma.