A lecturer from the University of Bath’s Department of Chemistry, Dr Toby Jenkins, has been appointed as a Guest Professor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Under the directorship of Professor Dr Di Zhang at Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, the appointment will help strengthen on-going and future interactions between this group and the Biophysical Chemistry group of Dr Jenkins at the University of Bath.

Researchers in both groups will build on their shared expertise in helping to create the next generation of so-called ’smart’ surfaces that are able to respond to changes in their surroundings.

Dr Jenkins explained: “Bacterial cells respond to changes in their environment by sending out chemical signals to communicate with other cells. We’re hoping to use nature as inspiration to develop smart surfaces that can sense these chemicals and respond to them.

“For example, we could make surfaces that change colour when they come into contact with bacteria. These could be used in wound dressings to warn of infection.

“Researchers from both institutions are excited by the great potential that nanotechnology has for creating these smart surfaces, and so we’re delighted at this opportunity to strengthen our collaboration with colleagues at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.”

In addition to collaborating on future projects, the two universities will be arranging reciprocal visits for research students from both institutions and Dr Jenkins will be visiting China next May.