Four research projects utilising tech for improved healthcare and environmental sustainability have been funded under the historic Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program.
Each project will receive up to $130,000 funding by the Queensland Government, over a maximum of two years. Each Queensland recipient contributes at least an additional $80,000.
Projects supported include 3D printing of patient-specific, biodegradable composite scaffolds for bone regeneration; producing sustainable products from high-value biopharmaceuticals to renewable fuels; improving patient care and preventing intracranial aneurysm (IA) haemorrhage and strokes; and addressing electronic waste by utilising bio-based, recyclable electronics.
The Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program is a joint initiative between the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts signed in May 2023.
It will see the development of partnerships and collaboration in the areas of cleantech, energy and storage, emission reduction technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, aerospace, additive manufacturing, health, life sciences, biomedical research, and the wider bioeconomy.
These are key areas supporting Queensland's important development strategies including the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, Industry Roadmaps and Action Plans, and the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy.
The Queensland Government committed funding of $600,000 for the program's first year of the program with the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts committing the equivalent of $825,000.
The first round of the program had two grant categories available: Up to ten Seed Grants of $8,000 and up to four Development Grants of up to $130,000. The ten Seed Grants were announced in August 2024.
Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said the Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program is an integral aspect of our support and promotion of world-leading science.
"The Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program links to our continued efforts to foster sustainable solutions to shared challenges and opportunities by harnessing creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
"Through strategic collaboration we can enhance our scientific knowledge, resources and capabilities, and continue to move towards a diversified and strengthened economic future of zero-emissions, renewable energy and improved healthcare outcomes using advanced technologies.
"I look forward to these four joint research projects, under that agreement, forging successful and productive partnerships."
University of Queensland Centre for Solar Biotechnology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Professor Ben Hankamar deeply thanks the Queensland Government for enabling the research project Scaling SMART Solar Bio-Manufacturing Processes to come to life.
"The Queensland Government's support will allow us to develop automation solutions for massively scalable production systems for single cell green algae (microalgae)," Professor Hankamer said.
"Microalgae industries were identified as a major growth area for Queensland by CSIRO Data 61. The sector offers high-quality regional jobs and export opportunities while helping to address Australia's and Queensland's climate commitments.
"Microalgae technologies offer significant opportunities to support the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games through the supply of renewable/synthetic fuels, C-capture and storage options and high value advanced manufacturing such as biopharmaceuticals."
