Key points
- Dr Wenchao Duan is developing user-friendly, electrochemical sensors for water quality monitoring and food safety testing.
- Wenchao's aim is to improve water quality monitoring in under-resourced areas, leading to better public health outcomes and environmental protection.
- In June he is off to Germany to join nine other Australian early-career researchers to learn from the best at the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.
Dr Wenchao Duan was drawn to a life of research from the start.
"I've always been inspired by the idea of becoming a teacher or professor – really anything that would let me focus on research that I was passionate about," he said.
After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in China, Wenchao moved to Barcelona, where he completed his PhD. It was there he discovered the field that would shape his future.
"During my PhD I focused on developing electrochemical sensors," he said.
"I discovered that these kinds of sensors can do amazing things, like detecting pollutants in water or quickly assessing the quality of food.
"The fact that they could solve real-world problems and help make people's lives easier really fuelled my commitment to the field."
Research with real-world impact
Now, as an early career researcher at CSIRO, Wenchao gets to pursue that passion every day.
He specialises in developing compact, user-friendly electrochemical sensors that are powered by machine-learning – tools that that can quickly detect contaminants in food and water.
"So far, I've developed two different types," Wenchao said.
"One is a straightforward 'sample in/answer out' sensor, ideal for on-site measurements.
"The other is a miniaturised thin-film electrochemical sensor, for the continuous monitoring of water pollutants."
Both are built to be portable, easy to use, and powerful enough to detect contaminants in real time – particularly in areas where traditional lab testing isn’t available.
Wenchao's work has already led to the filing of an international patent, and it could make a big difference to environmental protection and public health in Australia.
Of course, this type of research doesn’t come without its challenges, but Wenchao sees those as part of the adventure.
"Throughout the exploration process, I encountered various obstacles, each presenting an opportunity for learning and collaboration with my peers," he said.
"These experiences not only propel me forward but also contribute to the excitement of discovery.
"I am deeply passionate about this journey of exploration and discovery."
Looking ahead
Now, Wenchao is focused on taking his research to the next level. He dreams of developing his sensor technology into intelligent systems that can operate autonomously.
“I aspire to develop a miniaturised electrochemical sensor that can be integrated into compact devices – such as an AI-powered, robotic dog that’s capable of autonomously analysing water pollutants," he said.
"This sensor would detect contaminants like heavy metals and antibiotics in rivers and oceans, enabling real-time and intelligent water quality monitoring."
It's a game-changing idea that brings together chemistry, AI and robotics – all working in sync to create smarter and faster ways of monitoring our environment, helping detect and respond to contamination before it poses a serious risk to public health and ecosystems.
Heading to the world stage
Wenchao's work is already earning him global recognition. In June, he is off to Germany as one of only 10 early career researchers selected to represent Australia at the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.
Dedicated to chemistry, the event is expected to bring together more than 30 Nobel Laureates and 630 young scientists from 84 countries. It provides a unique opportunity for early career researchers to share their work and gain inspiration from their peers and some of the world’s brightest scientific minds.
Delegates will also take part in the SIEF (Science and Industry Endowment Fund) Research Innovation Tour in Berlin – an opportunity to visit some of Germany’s leading chemistry-focused research and development facilities.
For Wenchao, the meeting is more than just a chance to exchange ideas and tour some of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities – it’s an opportunity to connect with scientists from around the globe, gain new perspectives and see how his work contributes to solving some of the world’s shared challenges.
Acknowledging the support
While Wenchao's work continues to earn recognition, he’s quick to acknowledge those who have supported him along the way.
"I am so grateful to my family, supervisors and friends, both at CSIRO and throughout my PhD journey," Wenchao said.
"The expertise, insights, and support of my colleagues at CSIRO have played a crucial role in my growth as a researcher."
The Australian delegation's trip to Germany is supported through the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF) and administered by the Australian Academy of Science (AAS).
Wenchao acknowledges the support of scientists including Cassandra Pegg, Mustafa Musameh, Rozita Vaskoska, Joost Nelis, César Fernández-Sánchez, Martí Gich, Anna Roig, Yu Chen, Vivek Raj Shrestha, Gabriel Huynh, Karolina Petkovic and Sabine Schmoelzl.