More sustainable automotive materials, chemical production and agriculture, all using bio-based materials, are the focus of the first round of grants provided under an historic collaborative science agreement between Queensland and Germany.
Three university research projects are being funded to the tune of $750,000.
The projects, two from The University of Queensland and one from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), are being funded through the Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program.
The projects are variously partnered by the Leibniz University of Hannover (LUH), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the Technical University of Munich.
Queensland Government funding is provided through the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2032, while the universities are themselves providing at least $150,000 for each project.
Under the program, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is providing matching funding to each relevant German partner.
Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said she is pleased to announce the three successful grant recipients and highlight the second round of the program is open for applications.
"Focusing research on developing new materials from sustainably sourced biomass, enhancing levels of sustainable agriculture, and reducing and reusing food waste are all truly worthwhile endeavours.
"Together, these important collaborative projects will support a circular economy, mitigate environmental degradation, and foster a more sustainable and equitable food system.
"All of these outcomes support the Queensland Government's goals and objectives for a sustainable future.
"We are building on this foundation through a second round of grants which I encourage local researchers to apply for."
Senior Research Fellow within the QUT Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, and Project Lead for the Novel Sugarcane Bagasse-Based Bio-PUR flexible Foams for Automotive and Outdoor sport industries project, Dr Lalehvash Moghaddam thanked the Queensland Government on behalf of the research team for the generous funding to support the project.
"This project will enhance knowledge exchange and complementary expertise between Queensland and Germany.
"It will help transform our agriculture and manufacturing and Germany's automotive and outdoor industries with readily available, bio-based alternatives to fossil-based materials produced and manufactured for export in Queensland.
"The Queensland team will use their analytical and processing knowledge to characterise sugarcane waste (bagasse)-derived bio-oils to produce Bio-PUR precursors with the best properties, while our LUH research colleagues, in collaboration with the firms Grammer and Vaude, will convert these precursors into ready-to-use flexible Bio-PUR foams and prototype products."
Trade and Investment Queensland Chief Executive Office Justin McGowan said they are delighted to see funding provided through the Queensland Trade Strategy 2022-2032 delivering such tangible and worthwhile outcomes.
"Trade connects Queensland with the world and the world with Queensland. It builds international relations, drives economic prosperity, and stimulates innovation.
"Harnessing the collective efforts of government, business and industry, the Queensland Trade Strategy 2022-2032 will evolve our established economic strengths and grow new industries."
Applications for the next round of grants under the Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program close on 25 November 2024, with priority areas for the grants focusing on agriculture and agri-food; bio-based product and processes; and developing and advancing the biotechnological knowledge and tools that underpin a growing bioeconomy.
