NSW invests in new smart sensing network Wednesday, 31 August 2016

The NSW Government is investing $700,000 in a new Smart Sensing Network, researching advanced sensor technologies for various applications.

UNSW Scientia Professor Justin Gooding (pictured above) and University of Sydney Professor Ben Eggleton will co-lead the network, which will bring together experts in chemistry, physics, nanotechnology and ICT to work on smart sensors.

The initial focus of the program will be on five flagship projects. One will aim to increase the portability of ion-mobility mass spectrometers, which are used to screen for explosives at airports. These improved portable ion detection devices will see even greater application, being able to detect environmental pollutants or narcotics, and help monitor diseases by measuring molecules in the breath of patients.

By applying research to these sensors, the program will also improve their sensitivity and detection limits for the range of molecule types that can be detected. With improved sensitivity of detection, these devices would be able to provide accurate results when measuring complex mixtures of molecules – such as blood, urine, and soil – for medical and environmental applications.

The ultimate goal is to create a truly versatile technology that can fit into the palm of the hand, and be used to detect a variety of molecules nearly simultaneously, with a single device.

The other four flagships will focus on sensors to identify gas emissions in the resource industry, optical sensors on smart phones to monitor people's vital signs, glucose biosensors for diabetes management, and monitors to track native animals in the wild.

In addition to the $700,000 government grant, the University of Sydney and UNSW are each also investing $125,000 to establish the network.

The collaborators hope that the new collaborations will yield social and economic benefits to the state from the development and commercialisation of the smart sensors, by capitalising on the problem-solving abilities of local universities and research organisations.