Research areas

Stephen Mellon is Professor of Biomechanics and Orthopaedic Technology. His research focuses on developing new technologies to measure how bones and joints move in the human body, and applying these measurements to improve the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

He leads the development of CAT&MAUS (Computer-Aided Tracking and Motion Analysis with Ultrasound), a system designed to measure three-dimensional joint motion using standard ultrasound imaging. The technology aims to enable practical, radiation-free assessment of skeletal motion in clinical settings and to improve decision-making in orthopaedic surgery.

Stephen maintains an honorary research appointment at the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, where he continues to work with collaborators on the NIHR-funded (https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR208521) clinical development and validation of CAT&MAUS. 

At SDU and within the Biomedical Engineering Centre, he is establishing a research group focused on integrating ultrasound imaging, biomechanics, robotics, and computational modelling to develop new tools for understanding joint mechanics and improving orthopaedic care. This work is supported by an 8 million DKK Novo Nordisk Foundation Start Package grant over the next four years.

Stephen teaches biomechanics and biomedical engineering and supervises MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers working at the intersection of imaging, motion analysis, and orthopaedic technology. He previously taught engineering mechanics and musculoskeletal biomechanics at the University of Oxford and continues to co-supervise doctoral students at NDORMS and the Podium Institute.