UOW attracts two key international scientists

Feb 02, 2005

"Polymers " ... Ever wondered why a soy sauce sachet can be so difficult to open? Just ask Dr Richard Kaner.

"“It’s because the packets consist of oriented polyethylene that is only meant to be torn in one direction.” "

Dr Kaner, a renowned professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has spent years researching polymers, the long chains of chemicals that can be twisted and moulded into products, and is bringing his expertise to Wollongong on a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship.

Dr Kaner, who specialises in chemistry -- particularly materials and conducting polymers, has found that the idea of relating chemical concepts to everyday life, such as the opening of a packet, is very important. He will be working with UOW’s Director of Intelligent Polymer Research, Professor Gordon Wallace, into the development of ultra sensitive sensors based on conducting polymers.

During his four-month visit to Australia, Dr Kaner will offer a series of lectures with material suitable for general audiences, as well as lectures designed for advanced students that will examine conjugated polymers in-depth.

"Smart Materials"...

Leading European researcher, Professor Dermot Diamond, is also visiting UOW to collaborate with Professor Wallace on smart materials for sensors and actuators. Smart materials can be used in a wide variety of applications such as environmental monitoring, tracking food quality and e-health and personal diagnostics.

Professor Diamond leads pioneering collaborative research into adaptive information technologies with researchers based in Dublin City University (Ireland) and University College Dublin. His work with the Adaptive Information Cluster (AIC) integrates research on adaptive sensor networks, wireless networks, audio and visual extraction and personalisation software.

Professor Diamond’s area of research with the AIC includes low cost platforms for wireless sensing and issues relating to internet-scale sensing and control.

Media please note: Both scientists will be speaking at an ARC centre workshop on Nanostructured Electromaterials this week (Thursday 3 Feb & Friday 4 Feb 2005, at the McKinnon Bldg. A photo/filming opportunity would be 11am to 11.30am Thursday during morning tea break). The workshop will attract Nobel Prize Winner, Professor Alan MacDiarmid from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, and a variety of renowned scientists from Europe, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The workshop will address topics including the development of stronger more highly conducting fibres for use in wearable energy storage or artificial muscles and nanostructured surfaces for mammalian cell communication. The workshop will also be an opportunity for the Centre’s research students to present their latest findings. There will be more than 40 student presentations. It will also provide an opportunity for talented undergraduate students to mix with world leaders into nanostructured electromaterials.

For further information contact: Professor Gordon Wallace on (02) 4221 3127.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128