October 15, 2024 -- The University of Queensland will pioneer quantum sensory methods that could improve the detection of performance-enhancing drugs in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) will collaborate on the project which has received almost $430,000 as part of the Queensland Government’s Quantum 2032 Challenge.

Professor Warwick Bowen, Director of UQ's Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology, said the research will explore whether quantum sensors can be used to detect differences between natural and synthetic erythropoietin (EPO).

EPO is a naturally produced hormone which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Synthetic EPO is a medication used to treat anaemia in chronic kidney disease and is banned for use by athletes.

“This breakthrough quantum approach could enhance the detection of individual EPO proteins that would otherwise be buried in background noise,” Professor Bowen said.

“Quantum technologies promise new, more precise ways to see molecules...We’re delighted to be able use them to develop a new tool for the antidoping arsenal, fingerprinting the characteristics of EPO and other performance-enhancing substances.”

Detecting the difference between natural and synthetic EPO can be challenging, with only 8 experts in the world able to determine a positive test for the purpose of an anti-doping violation.

Igor Marinkovic, from UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics, said the project will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in the fields of quantum optics, biotechnology, integrated photonic and nanofabrication.

“If successful, this study could lead to new detection mechanisms for a range of prohibited substances,” Mr Marinkovic said. “We’re looking forward to exploring this further and potentially developing a new test that could be used at the upcoming Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Sport Integrity Australia Acting CEO Dr Sarah Benson said SIA will provide ongoing anti-doping science expertise to the planning and design, as well as analysis and interpretation of results, alongside the National Measurement Institute.