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 has been the lead node of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) since 2004. The Federal Government funded ACES with over $44 million (2004-2020) to translate materials science knowledge into practical, game-changing devices that will have a significant impact in the areas of diagnostics, energy, health and soft robotics. 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 and all funded operations to be completed by end 2021. This has 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.

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.