Electronic skin researcher awarded prestigious ASPIRE prize

Associate Professor Madhu Bhaskaran, an engineer whose research has led to the development of ‘electronic skin’ that monitors the environment and human body, has become the second Australian to win the internationally renowned APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE), recognising scientists under the age of 40 who are working in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) nations.

Based at RMIT University in Melbourne, Associate Professor Bhaskaran was nominated for the award by the Australian Academy of Science earlier this year. She beat a strong international field from the United States, China, Russia, Malaysia and Canada to win the prestigious prize, receiving the US$25,000 prize at an award ceremony held last week in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Her work combining oxide, elastic and plastic materials at high temperatures has led to sensors that can be worn as electronic skin. The sensors are currently being integrated into new health monitoring technology to improve aged care and can potentially be used for detecting dangerous gases in mines, in monitoring UV rays and as smart contact lenses.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash congratulated Associate Professor Bhaskaran on her award, saying her work “has clear potential to pave the way for new industrial applications in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region more broadly”.

“Associate Professor Bhaskaran is an inspiration to young women who may be considering a similar career,” Cash said. “The Australian Government is committed to encouraging more young women to study the STEM subjects which make such careers possible.”

Cash’s comments coincide with the launch of the 2018 Superstars of STEM program, an initiative of Science & Technology Australia (STA) to support and train 60 outstanding women working in all areas of STEM — and at all career stages — to share their passion with the Australian community through the media, social media and on stage. Nominations are now open and will close at midnight on 23 September.

Pictured: Associate Professor Madhu Bhaskaran.