Our research is dedicated to addressing critical needs in preventive healthcare and biosecurity, aligning closely with key Australian Government Research Priorities. We focus on two essential areas:

(1) Improving preventive health: By developing innovative screening and diagnostic techniques, we work to enable rapid, early and precise disease detection across both human health and agricultural sectors.

(2) Supporting diagnostics for aged care, people with disabilities, and regional communities: Our research extends to developing accessible, portable solutions tailored to the needs of individuals in aged care, people with disabilities, and communities in regional and remote areas. We focus on providing rapid diagnostics accessibility where they are most needed.

Our Research Mission. The Shiddiky Laboratory aim to develop liquid biopsy technologies and portable, point-of-care (POC) devices for the early, rapid and precise detection of critical diseases in healthcare, agriculture, and biosecurity. Working alongside chemists, nanotechnologists, biomedical engineers, pathologists, clinicians, plant diagnosticians, breeders, entomologists, and experts in biosecurity and disease screening, we transform advanced scientific insights into practical, user-friendly tools. These diagnostic devices are designed for rapid, on-site use, enabling cost-effective, accurate detection across a range of applications—from identifying major human diseases, such as cancer and metabolic disorders, to diagnosing plant pathogens and biosecurity threats.

Key focus areas of our research

• Transforming diagnostics for health and agriculture: We develop handheld, low-cost devices for rapid, on-site disease detection. These tools are tailored for biomedical applications, diagnosing diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders, as well as for agricultural applications, enabling the early identification of diseases and biosecurity pests.

• Advancing science through innovation in biosensing and nanotechnology: Our research explores cutting-edge biosensing, advanced nanomaterials, and analytical chemistry to push the boundaries of diagnostic capabilities. By combining fundamental science with practical applications, we drive progress that benefits both preventive health and food security.

By focusing on these areas, we are committed to improving health outcomes, enhancing food security, and ensuring diagnostic accessibility, particularly in resource-limited and regional communities.