“We have known for years that there is an enormous amount of information embedded in the data sets that we collect. But so far, we have not had the technical capacity to understand it all. Through machine learning, we are changing the way this data is understood.”
Professor Paul Pigram is Director of the Centre for Materials and Surface Science, an interdisciplinary research centre that brings together experts across physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering.
The Centre, Professor Pigram explains, is focused on what happens at the surface of different material systems, from both an academic and practical perspective.
“We do this using very beautiful surface analytical instrumentation. Our instruments include x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time of flight, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and scanning auger nanoprobe. We also have a whole range of supporting instrumentation.”
“These instruments let us see exactly what is happening at the very surface of the materials. Very large data sets are generated that tell us about the composition and the chemical and molecular state.”
“One of our particular strengths is that we use machine learning to interrogate and understand these data sets to find subtle information and trends,” Professor Pigram explains.
In addition to being able to analyse more data, Professor Pigram and his team are using machine learning to improve the reliability of data analysis.
“You can better accommodate imperfections in the data, and the answers that you get are more robust,” he says.
The practical applications of research conducted by the Centre for Materials and Surface Science range from improving the sustainability of construction materials through to personalised cancer treatment and bacteria-resistant medical equipment.
“A recent highlight is a research collaboration with the University of Nottingham to understand which polymer materials best resist bacterial attachment, helping to create bacteria resistant IV lines.”
“We’re also working with the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute to study the subtle differences between types of breast cancer.”
“The Centre is an enthusiastic member of the Australian National Fabrication Facility network, one of Australia’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy capabilities and a national resource that provides access to micro and nanofabrication equipment for Australia’s researchers and industry.”
Want to find out more about the fascinating work of the Centre for Materials and Surface Science?
Check out their website for news and research updates.
