Although Australia has produced several world leading medical device companies, a major gulf remains between academia and industry. Professor Reynolds has developed an enviable reputation for her leadership in this area, recognised most recently by her award of Professional Engineer of the Year in the 2010 Australian Excellence Awards. Her achievements include the establishment of spin-out companies and commercialisation licences, coordination of government/industry/academia initiatives, notably the Medical Device Partnering Program, as well as facilitation of industry placements for undergraduate and research students. She has also been very successful in attracting financial support for her research and its extension to industry.