Game-changing innovation

The University's innovation capability was on display at the first Intellectual Property (IP) Evaluation Panel for 2012 held at the Female Orphan School, Parramatta.

Associate Professor Andrew Shalliker (pictured on the right) with his HDR students from the School of Science and Health has presented to the panel on several occasions on his research on liquid chromatography.

Liquid chromatography is the most important method of analysis and purification in many industries and is a multibillion dollar industry world-wide.

"Andrew's work has tremendous potential to revolutionise chromatography, which is a basic tool used in many industries around the world including pharmaceuticals, food, and the drug testing of athletes," says Dr Fiona Cameron, Associate Director of Innovation.

"Current testing methods see only a handful of athletes actually tested for performance enhancing drugs, and it can take days to get the results. The new technologies involved in Andrew's work means that all athletes could be tested, with results potentially available before they even finish their race!"

Labelled a 'disruptive technology', Andrew's work is set to upset the status quo of chromatography across the globe – a real game-changer.

On behalf of UWS, Andrew has been successful in obtaining four patents relating to his research. He has also secured research and development funding from an industrial partner to support three of his PhD students presenting at international conferences.

The IP Evaluation Panel assists staff and students with research that may require protection and/or investment, giving them the opportunity to present their innovations to the panel for assessment of patentability and commercial potential.