MMFI ENews June 2020

Although the laboratories have not closed during this period access for postgraduate students and research associates has been very limited.  We believe this situation will continue into the foreseeable future with the individual schools setting up protocols to limit the number of students who have access to the laboratories, as per the requirements for social distancing.  This not only affects our research progress, but also the completion of postgraduate studies. 

To address this critical issue, we are currently organising a series of free on-line workshops for postgraduate students and research associates who are affected by the limited access to laboratories and research facilities.  These free workshops include “Machine Learning” (ML) and “Density Functional Theory” (DFT) and will provide individualised support to assist postgraduate students and research associates with their research and assist with the implementation of new computational approaches.  It will also give them the opportunity to expand their research capability and provide them with additional research skills that will enhance their research outputs. 

Dr. Jack Jianliang Yang (Lecturer) will facilitate the workshop on ML in Materials Studies and Dr. Claudio Cazorla (Senior Lecturer) will be addressing Computational Materials Studies with DFT. The following are abstracts of the workshops for your reference:

1. Uplifting your data visualisation with Python. The kick-off virtual townhall will be held on Monday, 15^th of June and we will introduce some basic Python knowledge by demonstrating the tracking of the latest COVID-19 case data and produce some attractive data visualisations. This will help advance data presentation skills during the lockdown period.
   
2. Firing up a DFT calculation. In this short drop-in section, Dr. Cazorla will give a brief introduction on DFT calculations and how to fire up some simple calculations and perform corresponding data analysis. This will assist in gaining a deeper physical insight into existing experimental results while working away from the lab.
   
3. A tour in the Machine-Learning Wonderland. If there is interest in what ML can do but hesitation to explore due to the complicated physics and maths, this townhall will give a quick tour to show how simple Python really is and play around with some of the leading ML models in material discoveries from the latest literature.

The registration link for the first workshop is https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/tracing-the-covid-19-curve-data-visualization-skills-with-python-tickets-107019875328 and, further to the previous email sent, it would be appreciated if you could pass it on to your postgraduate students and research associates.

Hand Sanitiser for General Purpose Usage

In response to the emerging needs of sterilization and hygiene products during COVID-19, MMFI is looking to manufacture 400 bottles (500ml) of hand sanitiser. The hand sanitiser will be donated to the University in support of the "Stage Two return to campus” plan. The formula of the hand sanitizer was developed by MMFI and is classified as a cosmetic product, paying meticulous attention to skincare requirements. The ingredients are all bio-friendly compounds organically sourced in Australia including disinfectant water, pure ethanol, cosmetic grade propanediol, natural vitamin E and cosmetic grade thickening, stabilizing polymers etc. We have a plentiful supply of materials and an effective production process which utilises our labs and is in full compliance with OHS guidelines. We have received two Certifications of Analysis to certify the 74.7% ethanol content (Chemika) and the low dermal irritation (Eurofins) of our product.   We are now looking to commence manufacturing at 100L/week.

“3-in-1” Airtight Full-Face Shield for Medical Personnel

Masks, eyewear, and face shields are the key components of personal protective equipment that have been listed as Critical Supplies in Demand by NSW Health.  To assist with solving the supply shortage problem, MMFI is working to develop a reusable fogging free “3-in-1” airtight full-face shield with a filter. This mask will combine three individual components into one device and also incorporate a designed interface between the mask and the filter.  The 3-in-1 airtight “hospital-ready” full-face mask will use U.S. Pharmacopeia Class VI certified materials and the latest manufacturing technology for the interface, which effectively connects the full-face mask with the filter cartridge.  The airtight full-face mask and airway connector is currently being tested in positive air pressure to meet TGA standards and its production will demonstrate the capacity of MMFI to respond to a rapid response situation and its ability to react to a supply shortage. 

NEW INVESTIGATORS AND STAFF

We are glad to welcome three new investigators from UNSW’s Faculty of Built Environment: Scientia Professor Mattheos Santamouris, Doctor Riccardo Paolini, and Doctor Gloria Pignatta. We also welcome new casual staff member, Kenji Khozoei, who will be assisting with our media and communications.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Since MMFI has been established, there have been four PhD scholarships allocated to academics who received more than $500K in research funds from Industries.  Two of the Ph.D. students have commenced their studies with the School of Chemistry and School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering and the others are waiting on the post COVID-19 Stage 3 strategy for their return to campus.  No scholarships have been allocated this year due to the suspension of industry engagement.  We will update you if there will be any change in the scholarship allocation scheme this year.

Have You Had A Recent Success?  Do You Have Something You Want To Share With The MMFI Team?  We Want To Hear From You!  Please Contact Us Directly With Any Feedback Or News Items at: mmfutures@unsw.edu.au