Join NSSN Ambassador at Macquarie University Dr Noushin Nasiri and NSSN Environment Theme Leader Dr Tomonori Hu, for an online seminar on photonics technology.

Dr Noushin Nasiri will speak about ultraporous nanoparticle networks for superior light detection. UV light is known for its harmful effects on human health and it is the major cause of skin cancer due to the mutation in p53 tumour suppressor genes. Therefore, monitoring of UV exposure in sunlight via wearable devices is important in preventing skin cancer. Our team has designed and developed a smart wearable UV detector made of vertically stacked layers of ultraporous nanoparticle networks with outstanding sensitivity to UV radiation. The device is equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication that consumes low energy and lasts at least one day fully charged. This wearable UV detector is a personalised UV monitoring system which can perform based on real-time data measurements and has a potential to be calibrated based on end-user skin type. This innovation could save lives and dramatically reduce treatment costs for melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

Dr Tomonori Hu will speak about one of NSSN projects which involves developing a sensing system to detect whales at sea. This project aims to address challenges faced in the seismic survey industry for oil and gas exploration. These operations must be terminated when whales are detected within 3 km from the vessel, causing major disruptions to operations, calling for a new technology to detect them. The task is to develop an autonomous system to cover this range with high accuracy, replacing the traditional marine mammal observers who conduct whale surveys by eyesight.  We have proposed a solution to use a vessel-mounted thermal detector paired with a Robotic Eye pointing system to respond to the end-user requirements. 

To register for the event, please contact Dr Tomonori Hu: tomonori.hu@nssn.org.au