University of Melbourne 

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

High-speed wireless communication is critical to our modern lives, yet we are reaching the limits of conventional WiFi technology. Dr Ke Wang has developed a technology known as ‘optical wireless personal area communications’. This utilises near-infrared light to carry data directly to users at wireless speeds up to 100 times faster than WiFi.

His research has also provided a secure method to provide wireless connectivity for defence and financial applications, its use of light making the wireless data almost impossible to eavesdrop. His system also has great potential in situations where the use of radio frequency wireless communication is strictly limited, including hospitals, healthcare and aviation.

Ke is also a committee member for the Marconi Society Celestini Program, which targets promising high-school and university students in five developing countries. This program provides projects that stimulate their curiosity and intellect, offering them the chance to develop their skills and talents.