Today, Australian Research Council (ARC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Johnson launched the ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites.
Led by The University of Queensland, the ARC Training Centre aims to deliver cutting edge research with a holistic focus on technical, social, and policy solutions.
Through a highly collaborative process of co-design, co-production and co-delivery of knowledge and technology, the research team at the ARC Training Centre will be conducting research across four interconnected themes - Bioresource Transformation, Bioplastic Manufacture, Bioplastic Applications, and Change and Sustainability.
Dr Johnson said that the ARC Training Centre is fundamental to strengthening the capabilities of Australian industry to service rapidly growing national and international markets in bio-derived and biodegradable products.
"The ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia's substantial bioresources to develop bioderived and biodegradable plastics and composites, such as high-performing think barrier films that are completely biodegradable, supporting two Industrial Transformation Priorities - Advanced Manufacturing, and Food and Agribusiness," Dr Johnson said.
"ARC Training Centres are funded under the ARC's Industrial Transformation Research Program. Training Centres, such as this one, are essential to increasing collaboration between Australia's most innovative researchers and industries."
The ARC Training Centre will train a cohort of industry-ready research specialists to underpin Australia's transition to a globally significant bioplastic and biocomposites industry, expecting to attract 19 PhD Students, 19 Researchers, and 4 Research Fellows.
The ARC is investing $4.9 million over 5 years under the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program.
