Paul Stoddart is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology. His research interests include applied optics and biophotonics, with projects in fiber-optic sensors, Raman spectroscopy, and laser nerve stimulation. He undertakes this research within the Bioengineering Group, working closely with colleagues in the Optical Sciences Centre. The biomedical field offers exciting opportunities to apply optical and photonics principles, as biological systems respond well to a ‘light touch’. His research has led to a successful spinout company, H3D, which uses artificial intelligence to automate the production of custom-fit audio and dental devices. A second spin out company, Nirtek, is currently developing an optical guidewire to prevent heart attacks and save lives.