Alumni Spotlight: Liam Bately
From French Operating Theatres to Biomedical Outreach in Tonga
For Rochester and Rutherford Hall alumnus Liam Bately, engineering is more than technical precision — it’s about people. Whether observing surgery in France or equipping clinics in the Pacific, Liam brings curiosity, initiative, and purpose to everything he does.
A Global Journey in Biomedical Engineering
Earlier this year, Liam completed an internship in France, supported by a Student Excellence Internship grant from the French Embassy in New Zealand. “Having really enjoyed studying French, I always knew I wanted to spend time in France,” Liam says. The opportunity became real when he discovered the Embassy’s grant, prompting him to start cold-messaging MedTech companies across France. “In the end, it was a LinkedIn message to a previously unknown Director of Medical Affairs who helped make it all happen!”
Liam’s internship took him from MedTech companies offices in Paris to high-tech R&D labs and bustling operating theatres in the south of France. His work spanned observing surgeons in the operating room, analysing patient outcomes, witnessing robotic-assisted surgeries, and contributing to the development of medical devices. The standout moment came when he watched an orthopaedic surgeon use tools identical to ones he had fabricated during his previous internship - a surreal, full-circle experience.
While the work was enriching, the language barrier pushed him in unexpected ways. “In the south of France, English speakers were much rarer. It really challenged my French and forced me to improve quickly,” Liam recalls.
Leading with Purpose - The Tonga Trip
Back in Christchurch, Liam is a key leader of UC’s biomedical outreach trip to Tonga, a student-led initiative focused on refurbishing and delivering essential medical equipment to under-resourced hospitals. His motivation? A desire to bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and on-the-ground practicality.
“Places like Tonga remind us that sometimes simple and effective equipment is best,” he explains. “It’s made me think more seriously about designing with the second life of a product in mind - where might it end up one day?”
Liam hopes the programme will eventually render itself unnecessary in Tonga. “We want to equip local technicians with skills to become self-sustaining through systems of perpetual education. Once Tonga is well supported, the idea is to expand the programme to other Pacific islands.”
Building Community at Home
Liam’s commitment to making an impact isn’t confined to international projects. As Vice President of MECHSoc, he’s been busy creating opportunities for students to connect with each other and with industry.
It’s a continuation of what Liam values most - shared purpose, genuine connections, and building momentum together.
Advice for Other Students
For students looking to find similar opportunities, Liam offers simple but powerful advice: “Get involved in clubs. Put yourself out there. The possibility of my France experience came about through connections from a FrenchSoc event, and the Tonga trip is a result of my involvement in UC BIOMED. Now I’m a big part of MECHSoc, building more connections between students and industry.”
Above all, Liam believes in showing up:
“'Luck' happens when you do the work and put yourself in the right place. Connections and opportunities don’t just fall into place — you create them by stepping outside your comfort zone, showing up, and being ready when the moment comes. You’ll be amazed by the opportunities that come your way from the most unexpected conversation or event.”