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)

181 - 200 of 248 works

2003

Conference Publication

An integrated bioprocess of lactic acid production and potato wastewater treatment by Rhizopus arrhizus

Huang, L., Jin, B., Lant, P. A. and Zhou, J.-T. (2003). An integrated bioprocess of lactic acid production and potato wastewater treatment by Rhizopus arrhizus. IWA Conference on Environmental Biotechnology, Malaysia, 9-10 December 2003. Malaysia: IWA Publishing.

An integrated bioprocess of lactic acid production and potato wastewater treatment by Rhizopus arrhizus

2003

Other Outputs

Interdisciplinary research education and staff development: an interdisciplinary study.

Manathunga, C., Lant, P. and Mellick, G. (2003). Interdisciplinary research education and staff development: an interdisciplinary study.. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.

Interdisciplinary research education and staff development: an interdisciplinary study.

2003

Journal Article

A comprehensive insight into floc characteristics and their impact on compressibility and settleability of activated sludge

Jin, B, Wilen, BM and Lant, P (2003). A comprehensive insight into floc characteristics and their impact on compressibility and settleability of activated sludge. Chemical Engineering Journal, 95 (2003), 221-234. doi: 10.1016/S1385-8947(03)00108-6

A comprehensive insight into floc characteristics and their impact on compressibility and settleability of activated sludge

2003

Journal Article

Rhizopus arrhizus - a producer for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starch waste materials to L(+)-lactic acid

Jin, B, Huang, LP and Lant, P (2003). Rhizopus arrhizus - a producer for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starch waste materials to L(+)-lactic acid. Biotechnology Letters, 25 (23), 1983-1987. doi: 10.1023/B:BILE.0000004389.53388.d0

Rhizopus arrhizus - a producer for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starch waste materials to L(+)-lactic acid

2003

Conference Publication

Relationship between flocculation of activated sludge and composition of extracellular polymeric substances

Wilen, B. M., Jin, B. and Lant, P. (2003). Relationship between flocculation of activated sludge and composition of extracellular polymeric substances. United Kingdom: IWA Publishing. doi: 10.2166/wst.2003.0633

Relationship between flocculation of activated sludge and composition of extracellular polymeric substances

2002

Journal Article

Online learning for the Wastewater Industry

Lant, P. and Emmett, D. (2002). Online learning for the Wastewater Industry. Water and Waste International

Online learning for the Wastewater Industry

2002

Conference Publication

Relationship between Flocculation of Activated Sludge and Composition of Extracellular Polymeric Substances

Wilen, B-M., Jin, B. and Lant, P. A. (2002). Relationship between Flocculation of Activated Sludge and Composition of Extracellular Polymeric Substances. IWA World Congress, Melbourne, 7-12 April. U.K.: IWA.

Relationship between Flocculation of Activated Sludge and Composition of Extracellular Polymeric Substances

2002

Conference Publication

Modelling the effect of shear history on activated sludge flocculation

Biggs, C., Lant, P. A. and Hounslow, M. (2002). Modelling the effect of shear history on activated sludge flocculation. ENVIRO 2002, Melbourne, 7-12 April 2002. Melbourne: IWA Publishing.

Modelling the effect of shear history on activated sludge flocculation

2002

Conference Publication

Modelling activated sludge flocculation using population balances

Biggs, C. A. and Lant, P. A. (2002). Modelling activated sludge flocculation using population balances. 6th Conference on Control in Particulate Processes, Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island, 19-24 September , 1999. doi: 10.1016/S0032-5910(02)00017-7

Modelling activated sludge flocculation using population balances

2002

Conference Publication

Online Particle Size Analysis in Secondary Clarifiers

De Clercq, B., Lant, P. A. and Vanrolleghem, P. (2002). Online Particle Size Analysis in Secondary Clarifiers. International IWA Conference on Water Quality, Vienna, Austria, 21-22 May 2002. U.K.: IWA.

Online Particle Size Analysis in Secondary Clarifiers

2002

Conference Publication

Benchmarking plant operation and instrumentation, control and automation in the wastewater industry

Ingildsen, P, Lant, P and Olsson, G (2002). Benchmarking plant operation and instrumentation, control and automation in the wastewater industry. 2nd World Water Congress of the International-Water-Association, Berlin Germany, Oct 15-19, 2001. LONDON: I W A PUBLISHING.

Benchmarking plant operation and instrumentation, control and automation in the wastewater industry

2002

Conference Publication

In Situ Particle Size Characterisation on a Circular Clarifier of a Wastewater Treatment Plant

De Clercq, B., Brannock, M. W. D., Lant, P. A. and Vanrolleghem, P. (2002). In Situ Particle Size Characterisation on a Circular Clarifier of a Wastewater Treatment Plant. World Congress on Particle Technology, Sydney, 21-25 July. Sydney: University of Sydney.

In Situ Particle Size Characterisation on a Circular Clarifier of a Wastewater Treatment Plant

2002

Journal Article

Modelling the activated sludge flocculation process combining laser light diffraction particle sizing and population balance modelling (PBM)

Nopens, I, Biggs, CA, De Clercq, B, Govoreanu, R, Wilen, BM, Lant, P and Vanrolleghem, PA (2002). Modelling the activated sludge flocculation process combining laser light diffraction particle sizing and population balance modelling (PBM). Water Science and Technology, 45 (6), 41-49. doi: 10.2166/wst.2002.0092

Modelling the activated sludge flocculation process combining laser light diffraction particle sizing and population balance modelling (PBM)

2002

Conference Publication

Benchmarking plant operation and instrumentation, control and automation in the wastewater industry

Ingildsen, P., Lant, P. and Olsson, G. (2002). Benchmarking plant operation and instrumentation, control and automation in the wastewater industry. IWA Publishing.

Benchmarking plant operation and instrumentation, control and automation in the wastewater industry

2002

Conference Publication

Using Population Balance Equations to Model the Effect of Shear History on Activated Sludge Flocculation

Biggs, C. and Lant, P. A. (2002). Using Population Balance Equations to Model the Effect of Shear History on Activated Sludge Flocculation. IWA World Congress, Melbourne, 7-12 April. U.K.: IWA.

Using Population Balance Equations to Model the Effect of Shear History on Activated Sludge Flocculation

2001

Journal Article

Increasing flexibility in the design of wastewater treatment processes

Hopkins, Lisa N., Lant, Paul A. and Newell, R.B. (2001). Increasing flexibility in the design of wastewater treatment processes. Water Environment Research, 73 (4), 486-493. doi: 10.2175/106143001X139542

Increasing flexibility in the design of wastewater treatment processes

2001

Conference Publication

Using the flexibility index to compare batch and continuous activated sludge processes

Hopkins, L. N., Lant, P. A. and Newell, R. B. (2001). Using the flexibility index to compare batch and continuous activated sludge processes.

Using the flexibility index to compare batch and continuous activated sludge processes

2001

Conference Publication

Sequencing batch reactor technology: The key to a BP refinery (Bulwer Island) upgraded environmental protection system - A low cost lagoon based retro-fit

Hudson, N., Doyle, J., Lant, P., Roach, N., De Bruyn, B. and Staib, C. (2001). Sequencing batch reactor technology: The key to a BP refinery (Bulwer Island) upgraded environmental protection system - A low cost lagoon based retro-fit.

Sequencing batch reactor technology: The key to a BP refinery (Bulwer Island) upgraded environmental protection system - A low cost lagoon based retro-fit

2001

Conference Publication

Biodegradation of high strength phenolic wastewater using SBR

Yoong, E. T. and Lant, P. A. (2001). Biodegradation of high strength phenolic wastewater using SBR.

Biodegradation of high strength phenolic wastewater using SBR

2001

Journal Article

Biodegradation of high strength phenolic wastewater using SBR

Yoong, E. T. and Lant, P. A. (2001). Biodegradation of high strength phenolic wastewater using SBR. Water Science And Technology, 43 (3), 299-306.

Biodegradation of high strength phenolic wastewater using SBR

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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