A remark by a first-year student about a space researcher’s lack of real-world impact has led to an NSSN project which is developing a groundbreaking device capable of degrading a carcinogenic form of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in water in just six minutes. 

With flooding now an ever-present danger for communities in Australia and around the world, UTS researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of world-first real-time water level and rainfall sensing technology using existing mobile phone networks.

The guest speakers on three panels at the Women in Sensing Summit highlighted the people behind breakthrough technologies. The key message: the future of sensing lies in diverse teams, inclusive pathways, and the drive to solve real-world problems—together. 

This month, UTS and Western Sydney University repurpose BioScout tech to monitor indoor mould; Highlights from the Women in Sensing Summit including Former Chief Scientist of Australia, Dr Cathy Foley’s keynote speech which urged women to be part of a tech revolution; an exploration of pigeon navigation; and learn about DeteQt’s advanced magnetic sensors.

DeteQt, a VC-backed spin-out from the University of Sydney, is developing cutting-edge magnetic sensors that detect what today’s tools cannot. Their technology has the potential to uncover critical minerals with minimal environmental impact, enable navigation in GPS-denied environments like undersea and warzones, and even detect disease in the human body.

Nature has long inspired innovation, with animals offering clues to technologies shaped by evolution. As NSSN Environment & Agriculture Theme Lead Dr Tom Hu writes, the mystery of pigeon navigation highlights how such questions can spark advances across fields like geoscience, quantum sensing, and smart technologies.

Wildlife scientist and the Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence 2025, Dr Vanessa Pirotta, highlighted the importance of remote sensing and citizen science in uncovering the hidden behaviors of marine animals at the NSSN’s Women in Sensing Summit. Dr Pirotta said tools like drones have revolutionised the ability to study animals such as whales without disturbing them. 

An innovative NSSN-backed project is repurposing a device—originally built to detect airborne crop diseases—to transform mould monitoring in homes and help safeguard the health of millions of Australians. 

View the photo highlights from the inaugural NSSN Women in Sensing Summit — a day filled with inspiring speakers, dynamic discussions, and meaningful connections celebrating the achievements and impact of women in sensing technologies.

Australia’s former chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley has urged women to be part of a tech revolution in Australia she says will see the industry replace mining as our key export.  Dr Foley told the NSSN’s first Women in Sensing Summit that Australia's STEM sector is being held back by a lack of gender and cultural diversity.