Title: Miniaturized and portable analytical systems
Speaker: Professor Michael Breadmore, Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Science, University of Tasmania
Abstract: The current way most samples are analysed is through collection and transport back to a central laboratory. This always takes a long time, meaning that there is a delay before action can be taken. Portable analytical systems capable of providing laboratory-quality data in the field are the obvious solution, but outside of the development of sensors, most of the approaches used in laboratories have failed in translation. We have over the past decade focused on the development of functional portable systems that can produce high quality analytical data in the field. I will provide an overview of the challenges and some of our solutions towards taking instruments out of the lab for personalised pharmacokinetics, autonomous systems for water monitoring, rapid screening of homemade inorganic explosives, and on-site measurement of fertiliser in soil.
Bio: Professor Michael Breadmore (UTAS): Obtained his PhD in Analytical Chemistry in 2001 from the University of Tasmania, and was awarded his DSc in 2017. He has published over 220 peer-reviewed papers (>12,000 citations; h= 56), supported with over $22M of research funding. He held three ARC fellowships (APD 2-4 -2008; QEII 2009-2013; Future Fellowship 2014-2017). Prizes and recognition, includes Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science for Safeguarding Australia, Finalist for the 2011 Eurkea prize for the best young scientist in Australia aged 35, “analytical chemistry” field leader by the Australian Research Magazine (2018; 2019), Analytical Scientist’s power list of the top 100 analytical chemists in the world (2014, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021). He is co-inventor on a number of patents and has four commercial products at market based on his research. He was elected a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology Sciences and Engineering in 2022.
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