La Trobe is looking for collaborations aligned with a major new initiative to improve social equity in regional and remote areas through the co-creation of point-of-need sensing devices optimised for biological, environmental, agricultural, and water quality applications.
“This research initiative recognises that people, industry and service providers outside of metropolitan areas face unique challenges that impacts health and quality of life, the environment, efficiency, and productivity,” says Deputy Director, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science Professor Brian Abbey, who is coordinating the bid.
“We will aim to co-create new sensing devices that are rapid, accurate, cost-effective, and can be used where and when needed, similar to COVID-19 rapid antigen tests,” he says.
“Sensing devices developed could lead to new economic opportunities, including through improved service and process efficiencies, and by mitigating potential risks.”
Potential applications for sensing devices include portable, easy-to-use healthcare tests that can be used within communities; affordable water quality tests at the tap; and robust air quality monitoring around mining sites to ensure health and safety of workers and communities.
To deliver high-quality outcomes, the University assembling a multidisciplinary team comprising social scientists, engineers, physicists, chemists, artificial intelligence researchers, biologists, peak bodies and community researchers and leaders.
“These advances could have a transformational, positive impact on community and environmental health, while also helping to break down some of the economic barriers associated with living and operating in remote areas,” adds Professor Abbey.
Join La Trobe in its mission to co-create innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by non-metropolitan industries, services providers, and communities.
Contact research initiative coordinator, Professor Brian Abbey on b.abbey@latrobe.edu.au
