Since 2008, he has led research in bio-active paper, and thread-based micro-fluidic sensors. His group has applied their skills in paper surface modification and printing to fabricate micro-fluidic systems on paper, thread and polymer films and has filed a family of patents in this field. More recently Professor Shen has begun new research into powder-liquid interfaces, constructing soft reactors using liquid drops and liquid marbles for stem cell research he has also applied surface engineering to modify powdery materials for oil spill control. He invented the text-reporting paper sensors, this invention has led the commercial development of the text-reporting Technology for blood analysis. In 2012, he led his group to win the Australian Museum Eureka Prize and the IChemE Award (UK) for their innovation in bio-active paper diagnostics. In 2013 he was selected as a finalist in the Australian Innovation challenge.