Andrew B. Holmes AC
veski innovation fellow
The University of Melbourne
Professor Andrew Holmes AC FRS FAA FTSE was awarded the inaugural veski innovation fellowship in October 2004.
He returned to Melbourne from Cambridge University to work in the new $100 million Bio21 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Institute.
Research project: Organic Optoelectronic Materials: Next Generation Semiconductors
Professor Holmes and his research team were part of the team that was the first in the world to discover ‘polymeric light emitting diodes’ (P-LEDs). Polymers are chemical substances that consist of large molecules: proteins and DNA are examples of naturally occurring polymers. LEDs are used in flat screen televisions.
These polymeric LEDs show great promise as low voltage, lightweight light sources with a variety of applications in emergency lighting, static display panels and screens for laptops and portable televisions.
In Melbourne, as part of the veski innovation fellowship, his team is applying these ideas to create products such as low cost polymer solar panels, and to make molecules to meet the needs of Victoria’s biotechnology researchers.
Andrew’s research will investigate and evaluate the active layer in light emitting displays, field effect transistors (FETs) and solar cells.
The aim is to also improve an LEDs efficiency in the vicinity of 100%. The common aim of the research is that any outcomes must have a use that can be turned into a product.
The veski initiative is just a start. It is an imaginative program to lure Australians back to Victoria and it is passionate about bringing wealth to Victoria through science and technology.
Professor Andrew Holmes AC (2004)
veski fellows in the media – accolades and achievements
Professor Andrew Holmes AC – veski board
An interview with veski innovation fellow, Professor Andrew Holmes about joining the veski board.
Portraits of innovation (Part 1)
See the making of 5 portraits of veski innovation fellows: Professor Andrew Holmes AC, Professor Marcus Pandy, Dr Gareth Forde, Dr Alyssa Barry and Professor Michael Cowley