University of Liverpool researchers look set to transform how authorities detect and respond to emerging drug threats thanks to a new project supported by a £250,000 grant from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Proof of Concept Awards scheme.
The project, Advanced Detection of Opioids and Emerging Illicit Drugs, aims to develop a cutting-edge analytical platform that can rapidly produce detailed chemical ‘fingerprints’ of complex substance mixtures – a breakthrough that could dramatically improve national security, public health, and forensic capabilities.
Led by the University of Liverpool’s Mass Spectrometry & Instrumentation Group, the project will use novel ion mobility spectrometry-based technology to identify trace levels of substances in complex sample types, offering faster and more accurate results than current methods. The team will work closely with key strategic partners to define user requirements and develop a prototype demonstrator for real-world conditions.
The Principal Investigator, Dr Simon Maher, a Reader (Associate Professor), from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics in the School of Engineering, said: “This is a hugely exciting project with potential for far-reaching, real-world impact across UK Security and Public Health.
“This new technology can enable law enforcement agencies to reliably detect current and emerging drugs in complex mixtures, strengthening early warning systems and improving public safety.
“I’m hugely grateful to the hard work and dedication of our research team and the invaluable support from our collaborators – this award reflects their commitment as much as it does the technology itself.”
Beyond its immediate operational impact, the project is laying the groundwork for a high-skill, UK-based instrumentation enterprise with significant export potential.
The Liverpool research project is one of 48 projects being backed to grow into market-leading products and services by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s new Proof of Concept (PoC) Awards scheme. This scheme saw enormous levels of interest, with close to 3,000 expressions of interest nationwide.
The new Proof of Concept (PoC) Awards scheme aims to support and accelerate the development of new or improved technologies, products, processes, and services arising from research, driving growth and creating the new jobs of tomorrow.
For University staff:
The project was nominated by the University’s Enterprise Team, which provides support for commercialising intellectual property through licensing or spin-outs, helping to maximise the impact of University research.
For more information about the UKRI Proof of Concept funding scheme, or to discuss research commercialisation opportunities, please contact your dedicated Enterprise Manager.