Ian Johnston

Professor Ian Johnston is the Director of the Biodetection Technologies Hub and the Wolfson Centre for Biodetection & Instrumentation Research at the University of Hertfordshire. He leads multidisciplinary research in microfluidics, bioaerosol detection, and antimicrobial nanomaterials. His work spans applications in biosecurity, food safety, and environmental monitoring, with collaborations involving UK defense agencies and institutions like the Pirbright Institute and Universities of Cambridge and Bristol.

• Affiliations: Wolfson Centre for Biodetection, Microfluidics & Microengineering Research Group
• Education: BSc (Hons) Physics (University of Leeds, 1994), PhD in Microfluidics (University of Hertfordshire)

Research interests include digital microfluidics (EWOD), microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices, and biodetection systems for in-field applications. His projects address biowarfare threats, aquaculture monitoring, and crop protection. Notable collaborations include developing antimicrobial PDMS polymers and electrowetting-enhanced bioaerosol collectors.

Over 30 years of expertise in microfluidics and bioaerosol technologies, with notable contributions to droplet actuation systems and rapid pathogen detection platforms. Projects often involve defense and environmental agencies, emphasizing practical, field-ready solutions.

Grants & Projects: Leads or co-leads 40+ projects, including CIBD (Compact Biological Detection), Micro-FloTec (flow technology), and bioaerosol sampling innovations. Recent funding spans 2023–2028 with focuses on hydrogel-based sensing and portable biodetection systems.