Aerobiosense Research Group

Aerobiosense Research Group (AG) aims to advance the detection and the impact of bioaerosols on human health by pioneering the world-leading transformational research and innovation in sensing technologies and data analytics.

AG is one of the key contributors to the Biodetection Technologies Hub, which is funded by Research England with £13.5M for 5 years and led by the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with Cranfield, Leeds, and Manchester Universities.

AG integrates multidisciplinary expertise and capabilities in aerosol science, engineering photonics, environmental chemistry, microbiology, sensors and electro-optics spanning across the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

The AG has a track record of excellence in the development and application of sensing technologies and analytical practices in the detection, quantification, and impact of biological and chemical hazards in diverse real-world scenarios and environments.

By integrating AG’s collective expertise and state-of-the-art facilities in chemical and bioaerosol detection and characterisation, we seek to develop and expand the biodetection research community of the future and address multiple, cross-cutting government policy priorities.

Core research areas include:

New generation of bioaerosol sensing technologies and instrumentation

Semiconductor-based environmental sensing technologies for bioaerosols
Advanced chemical sensors for biodetection
Instrumentation for airborne volatiles detection

Novel sampling and analytical practices

Real time physico-chemical and biological characterisation of bioaerosols
Rapid detection and quantification of bioaerosols in the natural and man-made environments
Surveillance strategies for AMR in bioaerosols
Data analytics, machine learning and AI for environmental diagnostics and bio-chem security

Bioaerosol dynamics and solutions

Spatio-temporal characterisation of bioaerosols in different environments
Interaction between biotic/abiotic components of bioaerosols under varying environmental conditions
Real time assessment and management of bioaerosols and indoor air quality
Bioaerosol emissions characterisation from biowaste and intensive agriculture
Interventions and controls of airborne disease transmission

Translating these technological leaps into actionable solutions for resilient environments (indoors and outdoors) and developing novel rapid detection and response systems, will contribute to a paradigm shift in our understanding of the role and impact of bioaerosols with far-reaching implications across healthcare, environment, agriculture, security, and industry worldwide.