Steven Pratt

PhD scholarships in Bioplastics

Scholarships available, up to $45,000 p.a. tax free

12-month industry placements

There is unprecedented growth in demand for bioderived and biodegradable materials. The new ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundant natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy. We are a collaboration between industry, The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Our vision is to perform leading edge research and to develop industry-ready specialists to underpin Australia’s transition to a globally significant bioplastics and biocomposites industry.

Up to 3 scholarships are available for outstanding PhD candidates to work in a multidisciplinary research team, embedded in industry. PhD projects are available in each of the following themes: Bioresource transformation, Bioplastic manufacture, Bioplastics applications, Effecting change and sustainability assessment.

We have a critical focus on providing an exceptional PhD experience. We will deliver targeted training and development opportunities including: leadership, innovation, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and project management.

As a Centre student you will receive mentoring from academic and industry leaders, access internal funding opportunities, and gain real world experience through extensive industry placements.

Green additives and fillers

ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposites - Fully funded PhD Scholarship of $35,000 pa (with potential for a top up of $10,000 pa for outstanding students). Applicants with skills/experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or material processing are encouraged to apply.

There is booming demand for eco-materials, based on biodegradation polymers. But commercially relevant bioplastics are much more than the biopolymers upon which they are based.

This project considers the impact of additives and fillers on degradation rates of bioplastics (and the mobilisation of those additives and fillers to the environment) – with the aim of developing alternative ‘green’ fillers and additives.

This project is developed in partnership with the Minderoo Foundation, with the view to facilitating the transition to a ‘greener’ plastics future.

Sustainable bioplastics

ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposites - Fully funded PhD Scholarship of $35,000 pa (with potential for a top up of $10,000 pa for outstanding students). Applicants with skills/experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or material processing are encouraged to apply.

Bioplastics are forecast to play an increasingly important role in addressing the plastic pollution problem. However, not all bioplastics are necessarily benign – even biodegradable bioplastics.

The aims of this project are to develop commercially relevant bioplastic products from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and to understand the (bio)degradation and potential impacts of those bioplastics in various environments.

The project is developed in partnership with the Minderoo Foundation, with the view to facilitating production of environmentally benign alternatives to conventional packaging materials.

Sustainable bioplastics

Bioplastics are forecast to play an increasingly important role in addressing the plastic pollution problem. However, not all bioplastics are necessarily benign – even biodegradable bioplastics.

This project facilitates bringing PHA bioplastics, which are bioderived and truly biodegradable, to market.

Contact me for further info.