Intelligent Polymer Research Institute

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Intelligent Polymer Research Institute

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Established in 1990 by Director Professor Gordon Wallace, IPRI is a key research strength at the UOW.

Based at the University of Wollongong, IPRI draws together researchers from a range of disciplines, including biologists, clinicians, chemists, physicists and engineers. Internationally recognised as a leader in electromaterials research, the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) is situated at the state-of-the art Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM) facility at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.

19/08/2026

What an incredible night to celebrate National Science Week! 🔬

Last night the Distinguished Professor's Alliance brought together local research talent shaping next-generation manufacturing in the Illawarra.

We heard from:
🛰️ Jessie Posar on wearable X-ray sensors being developed at UOW for both health monitoring and space applications.
🔋 Jamie Smyth from Sicona on new materials that could unlock the next generation of batteries.
⚙️ Shirley Yang's work at UOW that's revolutionising materials for a stronger manufacturing future.
♻️💡🔋 Aaron Hodges from Hysata explored how green hydrogen can shape the power of tomorrow's energy systems.
👁️ Anna Kulaga from BIENCO discussed the development of the bioengineered cornea.

The Illawarra isn't watching the next generation of manufacturing be built elsewhere, our region is building it alongside the researchers driving the discoveries. This growing sector is already creating local jobs, along with training and upskilling opportunities, helping to expand the Illawarra's workforce and open doors for future University of Wollongong students and early career researchers.

The Illawarra is becoming more than a hub for research, it's a hub for scalable products, positioning the region as a pioneer in health and medical partnerships.

Special thanks to our speakers for sharing their work and to the community who came along 🙌

Event supported by IPRI and BIENCO.

12/08/2026

Moments from out latest UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia photoshoot capturing our researchers who are accelerating innovation 🔬⭐️

10/08/2026

Advances in biomaterials, cell engineering and fabrication are converging in a way that lets researchers chase some of the biggest challenges in medicine.

Distinguished Professor, Gordon Wallace will present progress across four leading programs:

1. Bioengineered cornea development (BIENCO)
2. Cartilage regeneration in the knee (Axcelda)
3. Islet cell transplantation for diabetes
4. Skin regeneration for trauma and chronic disease

Every one of these programs must confront the same obstacle, pilot-scale manufacturing for first-in-human trials. It is a formidable undertaking shaped by a vast array of manufacturing parameters.

The seminar will explore why we must do this, how we might do it and when we need to do it.

📅 Date: Friday, 21 August
🕙 Time: 10:00–11:00 am
📍 Venue: Deakin University. A2I2 Seminar Room- NA1.421, Waurn Ponds

07/08/2026

If you are working in the area of medical innovations, then an understanding of the clinical trials landscape in Australia is essential.

The federal government has launched a major initiative to modernise Australia's clinical trials network, with coordination and capability building identified as key priorities to position Australia for earlier access to emerging medical technologies.

Beyond Science is proud to host a webinar bringing together leading voices from policy, clinical practice and industry to discuss what this means for Australia's clinical trials ecosystem and the opportunities it presents for better patient outcomes, innovation and sector growth.

Join the conversation, hosted by Professor Payal Mukherjee and Distinguished Professor Gordon Wallace, featuring talks from Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb, Professor Helen Mohan and CEO/Founder Hugo Peris.

🗓️ Date: 19th August, 4:30–5:30pm (AEST)
🔗 Register: https://lnkd.in/gcsp2K-V

06/08/2026

Thank you, Professor Deanna D’Alessandro for a brilliant guest seminar on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), sponge-like crystalline materials with a 3D structure so porous that just one gram can have the surface area of a football field.

Professor Deanna's team is exploring how to make these materials "electroactive" to use in batteries, solar power and catalysts that speed up chemical reactions using electricity instead of fossil fuels.

This research has led to new types of semiconductors, light-to-heat conversion devices and 3D-printed MOFs that can separate gases, a technology with promise for carbon capture and industrial filtration 🏭♻️

04/08/2026

Hear from the researchers building Illawarra's next generation of manufacturing, from bioengineered corneas and wearable X-ray sensors for space, to new battery materials and clean energy solutions.

📅 Tuesday 18th August
⏱️ 4:30pm arrival (drinks & canapés) | 5:00–6:00pm seminar
📍 UOW Science Space

Speakers:
- Dr Anna Kulaga: The bioengineered cornea (BIENCO)
- Dr Aaron Hodges: Developing tomorrow's energy (Hysata)
- Dr Jamie Smyth: New materials for better batteries (Sicona)
- Dr Jessie Posar: Wearable X-ray sensors for health & space (UOW)
- Shirley Yang: Revolutionising materials for a stronger manufacturing future (UOW)

Spots are limited, register now https://ecom.roller.app/sciencespace/manufacturingthefuture/en/product/1051358?date=2026-08-18

10/06/2026

The last couple of months have been full of great people, meaningful collaboration and moments worth celebrating 🙌 Here's what we've been up to.

UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia

14/04/2026

Join us on the 30th of April, celebrating cutting edge bionics research 🧬

Hear from world-renowned plastic surgeon and burns specialist Dr Fiona Wood. Dr Wood pioneered spray-on skin technology, was a leader of the medical response to the 2002 Bali bombings and was 2005 Australian of the Year.

Dr Wood will explore the latest advances in skin repair and we will announce the 2026 Bill Wheeler Award winner for outstanding social impact in research.

📅 Thursday 30th April, 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Science Space
🎟️ Tickets: $5 (includes a drink and admission)
🍔 Catering will be provided

Secure your seat: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2026-bill-wheeler-symposium-resurfacing-the-body-tickets-1978201201044?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

06/03/2026

Join us next Thursday for an eye opening exploration of energy generation, storage and economics 💡

Hear from leading researchers Gerry Swiegers and Kashem Muttaqi, plus early-mid career innovators who are solving energy challenges locally, nationally and globally.

What we'll explore:
- Emerging technologies reshaping energy
- How electrical systems work and what's changing
- The economics behind energy decisions
- Why this matters to you

📍 UOW Science Space
🕔 Thursday 12th March | 5:30pm – 7:00pm
🎫 $5 ticket (includes a drink + admission)
🍽️ Catering & refreshments provided

Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gE37gmtK

10/02/2026

This February, the Australia–Korea Frontiers 2026 Materials Workshop will bring leading researchers together at UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia UOW Innovation Campus for two focused days of discussion, lab tours and collaboration across energy systems, bioengineering, biomaterials and smart electronics.

This is a working forum designed to accelerate joint research, publications and long-term partnerships, not a passive conference.

📅 23–24 February 2026
📍 UOW Innovation Campus
🔗 Register now to take part: https://lnkd.in/g8-7cEXF

Address

University Of Wollongong, Innovation Campus
Wollongong, NSW

Telephone

+61242215960

Website

http://ipri.uow.edu.au/

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