Professor Paul Lant
Professor

Paul Lant

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56195

Background

Paul Lant is a Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland. Paul has a long history of teaching and research at UQ, and he has held a variety of roles. He was the Head of the School from 2009-2013, during which time he led the establishment of the new School, including the introduction of many new teaching, research and engagement activities. He has a history of successful start-up ventures across his portfolio of research, teaching and commercialisation. He has led many new teaching initiatives and been a key player in establishing UQ Chemical Engineering as a world leader in chemical engineering education innovation. He has started several commercial ventures and has been a Director of several companies. Paul was a Founder and Director of Wastewater Futures Pty Ltd for 20 years. Wastewater Futures is an Australian company that provides process engineering services throughout the entire life cycle. He has consulted widely to industry in Australia, including acting as an Expert Witness in Qld.

Paul is a Fellow of the IChemE and a Registered Professional Engineer Qld (RPEQ). Paul was a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors from 1998-2019.

RESEARCH:

Paul's research portfolio is diverse, and aimed at addressing some critical global challenges and also core challenges facing the hazardous industries. Currently, his major activities are:

The New Plastics Economy: Plastics and plastic waste are globally significant issues. Paul has been leading work at UQ for over 17 years investigating the production of PHA biopolymers. He established the PHA research group at UQ in 2003. Since then, UQ has conducted research on PHA with a total value of approximately $25m. The UQ PHA research group are now recognised as global leaders in biodegradable plastic research, and have had long term partnerships with international companies including Veolia and Norske Skog.

Urban Water Systems: Paul has an international reputation for his research work in the field of urban water systems. Current work focuses on water-carbon-energy linkages in cities.

Energy and Poverty: In 2014, Paul co-founded the Energy and Poverty Research Group at UQ. This is a pan-UQ initiative incorporating the disciplines of engineering, business, social science, environmental science, policy, communications and psychology. The mission is to support positive social, environmental and health outcomes that are vital for sustainable and productive livelihoods in energy impoverished communities in the developed and developing world.

UQ R!SK: Paul co-founded UQ R!SK in 2015 with his colleague A/Prof Maureen Hassall (Director). UQ R!SK is an interdisciplinary initiative to deliver practical, evidence-based outcomes that help hazardous industries address current and future risk challenges. The vision for UQ R!SK is to be a world leader in developing practical and innovative, human-centred operational risk management approaches that deliver real improvements in performance and sustainable competitiveness for hazardous industries.

Paul has a very successful track record of establishing productive collaborative partnerships with industry, and for winning competitive research funding. He has been a CI on 19 prestigious ARC projects, and he has also attracted significant support from industry for research. Paul has been a chief investigator on projects that have attracted in excess of $21 million in grant support from Govt and industry. Paul also led the bid to establish the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation in 2012. This was established with a $10M gift from Dow. Paul was also a lead CI on the ARC ITCC on Bioplastics and Biocomposites (2021-2026) which was established with $5m of ARC funding and $1.5m from industry and Government. Paul has been a co-author on over 150 journal publications and he has supervised 50 PhD students to date. He has an h-index of 54 and 11500 citations (Google Scholar, Aug 2021).

TEACHING AND LEARNING:

An established chemical engineering educator, Paul has received national awards for innovations in undergraduate teaching and supervision of postgraduate students. He was a member of teams winning national teaching awards for both undergraduate and postgraduate education in 2005 and 2006. Paul led the establishment of IWES in 2002. IWES is the leading provider of environmental short course training for Australian industry.

Availability

Professor Paul Lant is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Engineering Environmental engineering

Qualifications

  • Masters (Coursework) of Engineering, Newcastle University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Newcastle University
  • Masters (Coursework) of Business Administration, The University of Queensland

Search Professor Paul Lant’s works on UQ eSpace

248 works between 1990 and 2025
All (248) Journal Article (164) Book Chapter (6) Conference Publication (69) Book (2) Other Outputs (7)

21 - 40 of 248 works

2022

Journal Article

How do we learn about drivers for industrial energy efficiency: current state of knowledge

Smith, Kelly M., Wilson, Stephen, Lant, Paul and Hassall, Maureen E. (2022). How do we learn about drivers for industrial energy efficiency: current state of knowledge. Energies, 15 (7) 2642, 2642. doi: 10.3390/en15072642

How do we learn about drivers for industrial energy efficiency: current state of knowledge

2021

Journal Article

Exploring oil and gas industry workers’ knowledge and information needs

Lilburne, Christopher M., Lant, Paul A. and Hassall, Maureen E. (2021). Exploring oil and gas industry workers’ knowledge and information needs. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 72 104514, 104514. doi: 10.1016/j.jlp.2021.104514

Exploring oil and gas industry workers’ knowledge and information needs

2021

Journal Article

Renewable electricity generation in the Australian water industry: lessons learned and challenges for the future

Strazzabosco, A., Kenway, S. J., Conrad, S. A. and Lant, P. A. (2021). Renewable electricity generation in the Australian water industry: lessons learned and challenges for the future. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 147 111236, 111236. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111236

Renewable electricity generation in the Australian water industry: lessons learned and challenges for the future

2021

Journal Article

What is stopping India’s rapid decarbonisation? Examining social factors, speed, and institutions in Odisha

Sharma, Vigya, Greig, Chris and Lant, Paul (2021). What is stopping India’s rapid decarbonisation? Examining social factors, speed, and institutions in Odisha. Energy Research and Social Science, 78 102117, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2021.102117

What is stopping India’s rapid decarbonisation? Examining social factors, speed, and institutions in Odisha

2021

Other Outputs

India’s wicked problem: how to loosen its grip on coal while not abandoning the millions who depend on it

Sharma, Vigya, Greig, Chris and Lant, Paul (2021, 07 15). India’s wicked problem: how to loosen its grip on coal while not abandoning the millions who depend on it The Conversation

India’s wicked problem: how to loosen its grip on coal while not abandoning the millions who depend on it

2021

Other Outputs

Australia wants to send 1 million vaccine doses to PNG – but without reliable electricity, how will they be kept cold?

Heynen, Tony, Lant, Paul and Sharma, Vigya (2021, 03 19). Australia wants to send 1 million vaccine doses to PNG – but without reliable electricity, how will they be kept cold? The Conversation 1-2.

Australia wants to send 1 million vaccine doses to PNG – but without reliable electricity, how will they be kept cold?

2020

Journal Article

Expert opinion on influential factors driving renewable energy adoption in the water industry

Strazzabosco, A., Conrad, S. A., Lant, P. A. and Kenway, S. J. (2020). Expert opinion on influential factors driving renewable energy adoption in the water industry. Renewable Energy, 162, 754-765. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.08.054

Expert opinion on influential factors driving renewable energy adoption in the water industry

2020

Journal Article

The rise of (sub)nations? Sub-national human development, climate targets, and carbon dioxide emissions in 163 countries

Pascale, Andrew, Chakravarty, Shoibal, Lant, Paul, Smart, Simon and Greig, Chris (2020). The rise of (sub)nations? Sub-national human development, climate targets, and carbon dioxide emissions in 163 countries. Energy Research and Social Science, 68 101546, 101546. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101546

The rise of (sub)nations? Sub-national human development, climate targets, and carbon dioxide emissions in 163 countries

2020

Journal Article

Student perspectives on integrating industrial practice in risk and process safety education

Hassall, Maureen E., Lant, Paul and Cameron, Ian T. (2020). Student perspectives on integrating industrial practice in risk and process safety education. Education for Chemical Engineers, 32, 59-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ece.2020.04.002

Student perspectives on integrating industrial practice in risk and process safety education

2020

Journal Article

Quantification of renewable electricity generation in the Australian water industry

Strazzabosco, A., Kenway, S. J. and Lant, P. A. (2020). Quantification of renewable electricity generation in the Australian water industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 254 120119, 120119. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120119

Quantification of renewable electricity generation in the Australian water industry

2020

Journal Article

The transition to improved water-related energy management: enabling contexts for policy innovation

Binks, Amanda, Head, Brian, Lant, Paul and Kenway, Steven (2020). The transition to improved water-related energy management: enabling contexts for policy innovation. Water, 12 (2) 557, 557. doi: 10.3390/w12020557

The transition to improved water-related energy management: enabling contexts for policy innovation

2019

Journal Article

The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture

Luangthongkam, Pawarisa, Strong, Peter James, Syed Mahamud, Syarifah Nuraqmar, Evans, Paul, Jensen, Paul, Tyson, Gene, Laycock, Bronwyn, Lant, Paul Andrew and Pratt, Steven (2019). The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture. Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 6 (1) 50. doi: 10.1186/s40643-019-0285-1

The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture

2019

Journal Article

Public attitudes towards bioplastics – knowledge, perception and end-of-life management

Dilkes-Hoffman, Leela, Ashworth, Peta, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Lant, Paul (2019). Public attitudes towards bioplastics – knowledge, perception and end-of-life management. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 151 104479, 104479. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104479

Public attitudes towards bioplastics – knowledge, perception and end-of-life management

2019

Journal Article

Thermophilic production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydrovalerate) by a mixed methane-utilizing culture

Luangthongkam, Pawarisa, Laycock, Bronwyn, Evans, Paul, Lant, Paul and Pratt, Steven (2019). Thermophilic production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydrovalerate) by a mixed methane-utilizing culture. New Biotechnology, 53, 49-56. doi: 10.1016/j.nbt.2019.06.008

Thermophilic production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydrovalerate) by a mixed methane-utilizing culture

2019

Journal Article

Solar PV adoption in wastewater treatment plants: a review of practice in California

Strazzabosco, A., Kenway, S. J. and Lant, P. A. (2019). Solar PV adoption in wastewater treatment plants: a review of practice in California. Journal of Environmental Management, 248 109337, 109337. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109337

Solar PV adoption in wastewater treatment plants: a review of practice in California

2019

Journal Article

Public attitudes towards plastics

Dilkes-Hoffman, Leela Sarena, Pratt, Steven, Laycock, Bronwyn, Ashworth, Peta and Lant, Paul Andrew (2019). Public attitudes towards plastics. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 147, 227-235. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.05.005

Public attitudes towards plastics

2019

Journal Article

Off-grid opportunities and threats in the wake of India's electrification push

Heynen, Anthony P., Lant, Paul A., Smart, Simon, Sridharan, Srinivas and Greig, Chris (2019). Off-grid opportunities and threats in the wake of India's electrification push. Energy Sustainability and Society, 9 (1) 16. doi: 10.1186/s13705-019-0198-z

Off-grid opportunities and threats in the wake of India's electrification push

2019

Journal Article

The role of private sector off-grid actors in addressing India's energy poverty: an analysis of selected exemplar firms delivering household energy

Heynen, Anthony P., Lant, Paul A., Sridharan, Srinivas, Smart, Simon and Greig, Chris (2019). The role of private sector off-grid actors in addressing India's energy poverty: an analysis of selected exemplar firms delivering household energy. Energy and Buildings, 191, 95-103. doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.03.016

The role of private sector off-grid actors in addressing India's energy poverty: an analysis of selected exemplar firms delivering household energy

2019

Journal Article

The rate of biodegradation of PHA bioplastics in the marine environment: a meta-study

Dilkes-Hoffman, Leela Sarena, Lant, Paul Andrew, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2019). The rate of biodegradation of PHA bioplastics in the marine environment: a meta-study. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 142, 15-24. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.020

The rate of biodegradation of PHA bioplastics in the marine environment: a meta-study

2019

Book Chapter

The role of biodegradable plastic in solving plastic solid waste accumulation

Dilkes-Hoffman, L.S., Pratt, S., Lant, P.A. and Laycock, B. (2019). The role of biodegradable plastic in solving plastic solid waste accumulation. Plastics to Energy. (pp. 469-505) edited by S.M. Al-Salem. Kidlington, Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-813140-4.00019-4

The role of biodegradable plastic in solving plastic solid waste accumulation

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Biodegradable and bioderived coatings for controlled release fertilisers
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2025 - 2028
    Controlling the lifetime of biodegradable polymers in natural environments
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    EAP - Biopolymers to deliver bioactive compounds that reduce enteric methane
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023
    Opportunity for PHA Production from Corn - A Preliminary Concept Evaluation
    Lihua Starch Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    PHA Bioplastic from Qld Sugar - Pilot Plant Development Project
    Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Development of novel biodegradable packaging for marine products
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    A roadmap to tackle marine plastic pollution in Malaysia
    Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
    Open grant
  • 2021
    PHA Meat Tray Prototype
    The Minderoo Foundation Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Bioplastics in the environment: lifetimes and toxicology
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Facilitating LPG fuel transitioning in crises
    Spectrum Sustainable Development Knowledge Network
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Tough bio-derived and biodegradable wood plastic composites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Opportunities and Barriers for Distributed Energy Resources Development at Water and Wastewater Utilities
    Water Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Enhanced modelling capacity for the Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (ARC LIEF project administered by the University of New South Wales)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Intracellular manufacturing - high performance biomaterials from methane
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Novel bioderived and biodegradable wood plastic composites from wastes
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Generating advanced bioplastics from pulp and paper waste streams - technology for making PHA from C1 carbon
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - FirstLink
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Water-energy-carbon linkages in households and cities: a new paradigm
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    The Industrial Ecology Lab - Integrating data and tools for powerful sustainability analysis (a NeCTAR Virtual Laboratory 201 sub-project administered by the University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Stabilisation of algal biomass harvested from coal seam gas associated water to generate a renewable, high nutrient resource
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Adsorption technologies for minimisation of fouling and scaling by the combined removal of hardness, silica and organics
    Origin Energy Resources Limited
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Stabilisation of algal biomass harvested from CSG produced water holding ponds and water treatment facilities
    Origin Energy Resources Limited
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Isotropic fractionation and assimilation of fossil carbon in wastewater treatment plants
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Use of CSG water in Algal systems - Literature/technical review project
    Origin Energy Resources Limited
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Next generation bioplastics: Production of PHA bioplastics from organic waste
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Transformation and Distribution of Fossil Carbon in Wastewater Treatment Pathway, from Input to Discharge
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Understanding and mitigating nitrous oxide emission from wastewater treatment plants
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Production of algae biofuel: a multi-benefit solution for managing coal seam gas (CSG) water
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Understanding Fugitive Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Wastewater Systems for Reliable Accounting and Effective Mitigation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Fugitive Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Wastewater Systems
    Water Services Association of Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Advanced environmental and process analysis facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2012
    Evaluation methods for evidence-based total water cycle management planning (SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance)
    Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Trust
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    A Fundamental Understanding of Methane Driven Denitrification
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    Australia's Future Research Leaders: Are they coming from CRCs?
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2007
    Determination of the fate of dissolved organic nitrogen in biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes and development of appropriate treatment technologies
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2007
    Development of a Nitrogen Removal Technology to Integrate with the Novel EnRec Energy Recovery Sewage Treatment Process
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Production of Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoate Polymers using Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Process Technology
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    Improving biological nitrogen removal by enhanced mixing in non-aerated bioreactors
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    A Fundamental Understanding of Activated Sludge Flocculation
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2002
    Understanding bacterial growth and flocculation in activated sludge systems
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Novel process design
    Sydney Water Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Checks with no balance: Governance and organisational influences on the escalation of commitment in multi-organisation activities
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    SMACS: A prototype settling measurement and control system for activated sludge wastewater treatment processes
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Environmental Engineering Research Event: A National Research Event for Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers
    ARC Special Initiative
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Paul Lant is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Paul Lant directly for media enquiries about:

  • Chemical engineering
  • Industrial wastewater treatment
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Water treatment

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