Bio-based materials basis of historic science agreement
Issued: 18 September 2024
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.
To find out more about and apply for Round Two of the Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program go to https://science.desi.qld.gov.au/industry/funding/queensland-germany-bioeconomy/guidelines. The program will provide up to four Queensland applicants $250,000 (excl GST) each to support collaborative bioeconomy projects with Germany.
Explainer/fast fact and/or further information:
Details of the collaborative projects funded by this round of the Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program are:
Novel Sugarcane Bagasse-Based Bio-PUR flexible Foams for Automotive and Outdoor sport industries: A Sustainable German-Queensland Bioeconomy Solution (Bio2Foam)
Collaborators: QUT, Leibniz University of Hannover (LUH)
Funding: $250,000
This project aims to share knowledge and skills between Queensland and Germany to boost innovation and make big changes in agriculture and manufacturing in Queensland and the automotive and outdoor industries in Germany. The goal is to create bio-based materials in Queensland to replace fossil-based ones. These eco-friendly materials can be used in cars and outdoor gear without losing quality or safety, and they help reduce environmental impact.
The project also promotes economic growth and job creation in both regions while training future bioeconomy leaders. By developing new technologies for Bio-PUR production, it supports local manufacturing and speeds up the use of bio-based materials in cars and outdoor equipment. Industry leaders, including German automotive manufacturers, will guide the project to ensure it covers the entire value chain.
LignoPlast - Lignin Valorisation into Plastic Monomers using Tandem Chemo-Biocatalysis
Collaborators: The University of Queensland, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Funding: $249,775
This project aims to turn lignin, a common natural material, into valuable chemicals. The researchers, combining their skills in breaking down biomass (Queensland), and biotechnology, synthetic biology, and enzyme engineering (Germany), are well-equipped to harness lignin's potential. This process will create a sustainable way to produce important chemicals like 1,3-butadiene from plant material, benefiting both Queensland's agricultural and Germany's chemical industries.
The project will include exchanges of students and staff between the research groups to share their expertise.
Bio-based solutions for a sustainable agriculture
Collaborators: The University of Queensland, Technical University of Munich.
Funding: $250,000
This project aims to create a platform that makes farming more sustainable by producing new agricultural chemicals. This will be done by combining the biotechnological production of existing natural agri-chemicals with the discovery of new active ingredients from plants native to Queensland. The project, in collaboration with industry partners, will cover all aspects of the process, including extracting and testing compounds, using synthetic biology to produce specific bioactives from plant leftovers like bagasse and forestry residues, and analysing the effectiveness of these compounds. This project will set the stage for long-term cooperation between Queensland and Germany to promote sustainable farming in both regions.