Dr Richard van Arkel presented the award-winning paper, “Bioelectronic implants accelerate bone healing: comprehensive in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analyses”, at the ISTA Congress in Munich on 18 September 2026. The underlying research for the paper was conducted at Imperial College London and now forms the basis of Embed’s technology.
Richard said: “What a brilliant day. The HAP Paul Award is the most highly regarded award in orthopaedic implant technology, and it’s an honour for my team’s research to be recognised with it. We knew we were onto something special as the data started coming in, and as we progressed from lab to preclinical trials it got better and better. Sharing it with our peers at ISTA is a special moment.”
“Great research is never a solo effort. I fronted the talk, but this is a team award: Dr Thomas Hall’s PhD formed the basis of our bioelectronic technology; Dr Sasza Nabilla’s thorough analyses led to all the beautiful images and data presented; Dr Fred Cegla’s expertise enabled us to intergrate the therapeutic stimulation; and Dr Bruno Gil’s talent enabled us to build the pre-clinical device.”
The underlying IP is now licensed from Imperial to Embed Biotech, and Richard continues to work with the Embed Biotech team to bring this world-first technology to market.
Thomas Hall, now CEO of Embed Biotech, commented: “I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team. Today our science was recognised. Next, we translate it into technology that gets patients back to doing what they love, quickly, safely, and reliably”“
