Intelligent Polymer Research Institute

About us

Internationally recognised as a leader in electromaterials research, the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) is situated at the state-of-the art Australian Institute for Innovative Materials (AIIM) facility at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus. Established in 1990 by Director Professor Gordon Wallace, IPRI is a key research strength at the UOW.

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Eva Tomaskovic-Crook and Jeremy Crook look at human stem cells projected on to a computer screen
IPRI researchers Sepehr Talebian and Dr Sepidar Sayyar with a silicon ear made by a 3D Genii bioprinter at UOW’s Translational Research Initiative for Cellular Engineering and Printing (TRICEP)

IPRI Staff have been key to the successful development and implementation of the two ARC funded Centres of Excellence, with ARC funding for the current Centre finishing mid-2021. This necessitated the parallel development of additive fabrication tools, in partnership with the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). As a consequence, IPRI is extraordinarily well-positioned to build on its global reputation for discoveries in materials science and the implementation of that knowledge in both energy and health to create significantly more value for the university, given the retention of its highly talented researchers.

IPRI has made a number of significant contributions to the discovery of new materials and the development of new fabrication methods, using these to deploy new technologies for energy and health. This has enabled IPRI to build a global reputation for research excellence with a recognised commitment to translation. IPRI has integrated all of the skills needed to take ideas to industries.

IPRI provides a multidisciplinary environment ensuring that research training impacts the highest level of technical skills, augmented by excellent communication skills as well as the ability to work as part of highly integrated research teams.

As is evidenced by the whereabouts of our Alumni - they have been trained to enable contributions to be made across the world. IPRI puts great emphasis on training that enables connectivity to identify, establish and execute projects as well as ensuring that new knowledge accrued is appropriately deployed. 

Virtual tour

Join ACES Director Prof Gordon Wallace as he walks you through our facilities at ACES headquarters and TRICEP, including a close-up look at our work with graphene, 3D printing stents, fibre spinning electrodes, preparing cells for printing, bioinks, customised bioprinters and more.

The Translational Research Initiative for Cell Engineering and Printing (TRICEP) is made possible through the support of the University of Wollongong (UOW), the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) and MTP Connect.