Paul Kaye is a semi-retired Research Professor specialising in the development of sensors and instruments for the detection and characterisation of airborne or waterborne particles, including bio-organisms and hazardous mineral particles. He founded the Particle Instruments and Diagnostics (PID) Research Group in 1980, the year he began working with the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL), a relationship that has continued to this day. He has 30 international patents in the field particle detection and is the inventor/co-inventor of several aerosol monitoring instruments sold commercially worldwide.

What are you working on as part of the Hub?

We are working with DSTL to develop a new generation of small real-time detectors for biological aerosols, exploiting the latest developments in micro-spectrometers and ultraviolet diode lasers. We have also developed compact, wearable personal aerosol samplers (CPAS) for use in large-scale studies involving public exposure to potentially hazardous workplace or domestic aerosols such as mould spores, cooking aerosols and wood-burner smoke. 

What is exciting you the most about your current research? 

When I started my research at UH in the 1970’s, we had the first laser in the institution. Since then, we have consistently looked for technological advances in other fields that we could exploit to advance our own research in bio-aerosol detection. There is a constant thrill in keeping abreast of developments in completely different research areas that could be exploited in our own work. Such discoveries have often proved ‘game-changers’.

What difference do you hope your research will make?

Whilst there is excitement in the actual process of carrying out research and advancing methods of, for example, detecting and monitoring bio-aerosol health risks, the ultimate aim is to see that research actually making a difference to people’s lives. This could be by providing new knowledge that will assist other researchers or, more directly, through for example the development of new instruments that provide improved detection of a biological threat or the ability to mitigate its impact. 

What are you most proud of in your research career?

Occasions, such as producing a highly cited publication or a widely used research instrument. These demonstrate the value of your research efforts. Research is often a competitive activity but ultimately it is cooperation and sharing of knowledge that yields the greatest rewards.