Loic Coudron is a Professor of Digital Microfluidics and Aerosol Detection and the Head of the Microfluidics and Microengineering Group at the University of Hertfordshire. Loic has led the development of Digital Microfluidics and Aerosol Detection research, aiming to incorporate technological innovation into providing next generation solutions to in-field bio-diagnostic, detection and security challenges.

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

At Herts, we are recognised by our long-time partners for our extended track record of providing turn-key solutions and pushing innovation for aerosol detection applied to the defence and security sectors. By bringing together the multidisciplinary expertise of the UK’s number one leaders in biodetection from Cranfield, Leeds and Manchester universities, the hub will allow the expansion of world-leading defence-focussed biodetection research into the other life-impacting topics embedded within the hub. The hub’s expansion will carry the capability growth into exploring emerging topical technologies with the bold ambition to establish UH as the world-leading university for Biodetection.

Which collaborative opportunities are exciting you the most

Stemming from the impact of our work with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), a series of multi-partners international trials (Nov 2022 and Sept 2024), involving Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), the National Research Council Canada, Laval University, the University of Hertfordshire and Dstl have been commissioned by DRDC to assess the UH/Dstl DMF Aerosol Detection technology. This ongoing collaboration continues to drive multiple knowledge exchange and outputs. I am excited to see this collaboration grow further as new research avenues into the Hub themes develop across the Atlantic.

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

My research interest was always found at the cornerstone of multidisciplinarity. Bioaerosol detection is a subject that navigates the transdisciplinary intersections of engineering, physical sciences and biology to address real-world challenges, which gives a rewarding feeling of purpose to an otherwise fascinating topic.

What are you most proud of in your research career?

Without a doubt, seeing the work we have built at Herts gain the recognition it deserves through the creation of the Hub and thinking that it is only the beginning of the journey as we continue training more students and recruiting more ambitious and brilliant new researchers to follow our track into building the future of biodetection in the UK.