Sniffer Bees - A case study in scientific innovation | John Wilkins | TEDxBedfordSchool

An innovative vapour detection technology based on insect olfaction will be described. A systems engineering approach to harnessing the exquisite, flexible olfactory acuity of honeybees was developed by Insense Ltd. The challenges faced during development and commercialisation will be discussed.

John Wilkins is a professional scientist, currently working in healthcare diagnostics with Mologic Ltd, near Bedford. Having obtained his Chemistry degree at Oxford, he joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (now DEFRA), where he used mass spectrometry for pesticide residue analysis. He managed the Analytical Chemistry Group at Unilever Research (Colworth) in Sharnbrook, working on food safety/quality and new product innovation projects, before joining Insense Ltd in 2003. He joined Mologic in 2009.

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