Chris Stopford is a Professor of Aerosol Instrumentation and leads the Particle Instruments & Diagnostics research group at the University of Hertfordshire.  As a founding academic member of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science, Chris specialises in developing cutting-edge optical instruments for detecting airborne microparticles. His work bridges academic research and practical & commercial applications, addressing challenges in atmospheric & environmental science, biodefense, and public health.

What inspired you to co-develop the concept behind the Hub?

The Particle Instruments & Diagnostics group has pioneered techniques for the detection of bioaerosols across diverse fields, ranging from ice nucleation studies to mitigating respirable hazards.  The Hub gives us the opportunity to work more closely with collaborators from other universities over a longer timescale than our usual grant timelines.  This allows us to delve more deeply into science, driving the development of new and exciting technologies, and to develop bespoke solutions.

Which collaborative opportunities are exciting you the most?

A major challenge with our instruments is interpreting the complex datasets they produce. We integrate multiple parameters—such as fluorescence spectra, light scattering patterns, particle size, and environmental variables like temperature, humidity, and location. Traditionally, our analyses have been tailored to specific datasets, but this limits broader applicability.  Collaborating with the University of Manchester, we aim to develop a more general data product that will transform these datasets into actionable insights. This advancement will empower researchers with a higher-level understanding of the composition and dynamics of environmental aerosols, unlocking new applications in bioaerosol science.

What motivated you to explore bioaerosol detection as part of your research?  

The original motivation for our work stemmed from biodefense—developing tools to protect civilians and military personnel from bioweapons. Over time, the potential for broader applications became clear. Today, our instruments are used to address diverse challenges: monitoring diseases caused by airborne moulds, detecting crop pathogens, and studying atmospheric transport of bioaerosols. The versatility of these technologies, combined with their real-world impact, keeps me motivated. From ensuring public safety to advancing agricultural resilience, the field of bioaerosol detection continues to inspire new research directions.

What are you most proud of in your research career?

I’m most proud that our work has a tangible impact on people’s lives. The instruments we’ve developed are deployed to monitor air quality for a wide range of hazards, from bioaerosols to asbestos. Knowing that our technology helps protect communities—whether by identifying respirable threats or advancing scientific understanding—brings immense satisfaction. These achievements reflect the dedication and collaboration of my colleagues, whose efforts have made these outcomes possible.