Wolfson Centre for Biodetection Instrumentation Research

The Wolfson Centre for Biodetection Instrumentation Research is a multidisciplinary research hub that unites expertise from the Particle Instrumentation & Diagnostics Group in the Department of Physics and the Microfluidic & Microengineering Research Group in the Department of Engineering. The Centre’s mission is to advance biodetection technologies, addressing critical challenges in biosecurity through innovative research and development.

Expertise and Focus Areas

The Centre integrates expertise in:

microfluidics, sample processing & fluid handling
airborne collection & detection technologies (particle, biological, and chemical)
engineering design and integrated system development.

It combines expertise across schools with research that addresses the University’s research and enterprise commitment to transforming ideas into transformative technologies.

Research and Development

The Centre focuses on developing novel techniques and instruments to address emerging biosecurity threats. It conducts a range of research, from fundamental studies to applied R&D, aiming to advance biodetection technologies from early-stage concepts (TRL1-3) to higher readiness levels (TRL5-6). Collaborative efforts with national and international organisations enhance its impact.

Current Projects

Active R&D projects emphasise:

autonomous airborne pathogen collection/detection systems
real-time DNA amplification and analysis
remote reporting for early detection of pathogens.

These innovations aim to protect civilian populations and military personnel from naturally occurring or maliciously released biological hazards.

Opportunities for Students

The Centre offers a unique environment for interdisciplinary learning, fostering skills in areas such as:

lab-on-a-chip devices
molecular diagnostics
real-time light scattering technologies
aerobiology and environmental sampling
system integration for real-world applications.

By combining advanced research with practical applications, the Wolfson Centre exemplifies successful multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges in biosecurity.

Ian Johnston

Centre Director

Professor Ian Johnston is the Director of the Wolfson Centre for Biodetection & Instrumentation Research, Director of the Biodetection Technologies Hub, and a founding member of the Microfluidics & Microengineering Research Group at the 91였튬.

His research focuses on academic and industrial experimental research into bioaerosol monitoring and collection technologies, and microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices for sample manipulation and biosensing. Expertise includes droplet microfluidics, EWOD, microfluidic magnetic separation, biological sample processing, electrostatic bioaerosol collectors, personal filter samplers and cyclonic collection systems.

Current biodetection R&D project application areas include biowarfare, food security, aquaculture, environmental monitoring, crop protection, woodland & plant biosecurity. Clients and collaborators include, amongst others, the UK MoD and the Dstl, HMGCC, DRDC, DSTG, The Pirbright Institute, Rothamstead Research, TTZ Bremerhaven, and Optisense Ltd. Current academic collaborators include the Universities of Bristol, UCL, Bath, Cambridge, Cranfield, Leeds and Manchester.

Meet the team

Dr Lanka Weerasiri

Get in touch

For more information about our work in Biodetection Technologies, please contact , Centre Director.

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