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A talented local scientist’s work to develop a form of ‘electronic skin’ that monitors the environment and the human body has been recognised with the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE).

Associate Professor Madhu Bhaskaran from RMIT University, who was nominated by the Australian Academy of Science for the prize, beat a strong international field of candidates from countries including the United States, China, Russia, Malaysia and Canada. She is only the second Australian to win the prize since the award’s inception in 2011.

The ASPIRE Prize, valued at US$25,000, recognises scientists under the age of 40 who are working in APEC nations. This year it was announced at the 12th APEC PPSTI Meeting in Papua New Guinea in August.

Associate Professor Bhaskaran’s 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.

Watch a video about Associate Professor Bhaskaran’s work

Find out more about the ASPIRE prize