The future of prosthetics has a clear starting point

To fully grasp global advancements made in prosthetic technologies, the world looks to the accomplishments of Professor Sir Saeed Zahedi OBE

Professor Sir Mir Saeed Zahedi, OBE FREng RDI FIMechE PhD, is a man of many well-earned titles, roles, and awards.

Just recently, he was recognised by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) for 25 years of State Registration of Prosthetists and Orthotists.

This recent recognition encompasses a lifetime of work and over 40 years dedication and contribution towards the Prosthetics and Orthotics industry.

A Lifetime of Engineering Achievements

Professor Sir Saeed Zaheedi OBE’s personal mission has always been about leveraging science to support new ideas and new products. His work often takes from nature's own biomimetic principles. His engineering designs are driven by measurable outcomes that clinically benefit patients all over the world. His passion and perseverance have completely changed the prosthetics industry. 

Professor Sir Saeed Zaheedi OBE received the ‘Commendation for Services to Prosthetics and Orthotics' award, supported by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO).

BAPO Chairman, Peter Iliff shares, “It was fitting that both organisations were able to recognise Saeed's enormous contribution to our professional world of prosthetics and orthotics, both in recognition of his innovative genius in product design and through his service, over many years, representing prosthetics and orthotics on numerous ISPO committees.

I had the great fortune to know Saeed as a colleague during my time at Blatchford and always found him to be both wise and generous, in equal measure. The world of prosthetics and orthotics is hugely indebted to Saeed's contribution and BAPO is delighted to have played its part in recognising this.”

Many Roles That Improve Many Lives

During his career, Professor Sir Saeed Zaheedi OBE led the Research and Development team at Blatchford and led the work with several governmental agencies to help further prosthetic and orthotic advancements.

As the previous Technical Director for Blatchford, he was dedicated to engineering better prosthetics to improve the lives of thousands of amputees around the world.

He led the team at Blatchford that developed the Linx, the first microprocessor-controlled lower limb prosthetic where the foot and knee continuously ‘talk’ to each other. With its combination of new materials, microprocessor controls and understanding of how people walk, Linx won the 2016 MacRobert Award.

In his current role on the Blatchford Product Advisory board, he continues to influence the future of prosthetics through providing engineering insight and utilising his extensive industry knowledge.

As the UK Chair for ISPO he is a part of the scientific committee that helps to strengthen their contributions to prosthetics and orthotics. That committee is also responsible for overseeing and making recommendations to the Executive Board about scientific policy and activities of the Society.

Innovative Design that Changed the World of Lower Limb Prosthetics

Professor Sir Saeed Zaheedi OBE is author of over 125 publications related to prosthesis research and has patented over 35 inventions. In 2011 he was nominated for the Prince Philip Designers Prize for which he received a Special Commendation. In 2013 he received the Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) award for engineering design.

He and his Blatchford team were finalists in the 2010 MacRobert Award for work on the Echelon hydraulic ankle-foot, the world's first self-aligning ankle-foot prosthesis. Along with four colleagues, Zahedi won the 2016 MacRobert Award for their development of Linx.

As a member of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Sir Saeed helps prepare and publish internal and international standards for various technical and nontechnical fields. He also works closely with the UK Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre and with Help for Heroes to ensure that injured military personnel can have access to the best prosthetics services.

We cannot say enough good things about Professor Sir Saeed Zaheedi OBE and his invaluable contributions to the world of prosthetic research and engineering. His tireless efforts to improve lower limb prosthetic devices and improve patients' lives cannot be understated. We are honoured and humbled by his many inventions that have changed the world of lower limb prosthetics forever.

Professor Sir Saeed Zaheedi OBE's Training, Awards & Knighting

After studying mechanical engineering at the Polytechnic of Central London, he went on to earn his PhD in biomedical engineering at the University of Strathclyde, while the field of biomedical engineering was still new.

There was an influx of undergraduate degrees in the subject, which was aided by his work in creating some of the courses. 

He went on to join the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) in 2012, recognising him as one of the best and brightest engineers in the UK. Amongst his other titles, he was appointed as a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) by the Royal Society of Arts in 2013.

Sir Saeed won the British Healthcare Trades Association Lifetime Achievement Award that same year for his contributions to the development of assistive technology for lower limb amputees. He was also given the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

All these awards and memberships are in recognition of Sir Saeed’s ongoing engagement with the prosthetics industry and his part in bringing this vital technology into the future.

Professor Sir Mir Saeed Zahedi OBE would go on to be knighted by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace in 2018 for his services to engineering and innovation, recognising his many outstanding achievements in bringing lasting results to those affected by limb loss.

In that same year, he was granted Fellowship of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE).

After many years of engineering work with the NHS, in the year 2000, Sir Saeed was awarded an OBE for his services in the prosthetics industry.

As a trusted and dedicated ambassador for improving prosthetic care, he has succeeded in creating outstanding and lasting results for those affected by limb loss across the globe, giving them back the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.