Leading-edge coal research at UQ

A national research centre to examine one of Australia's most important export commodities will be based in Brisbane, with The University of Queensland playing a major role.

The Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin today announced funding for the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Coal in Sustainable Development.

The CRC will build on the research done by its predecessor, the CRC for Black Coal Utilisation within a new framework of criteria for environmental, social and economic sustainability.

It will also initiate new research in the areas of sustainable impacts, life-cycle assessment, process technology systems analysis and waste utilisation.

In other announcements, The University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience will be a major partner in the CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases.

This Centre is focussed on finding better treatments for serious chronic degenerative inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis and psoriasis.

Furthermore, the University of Queensland is to be a partner in the CRCs for Water Quality and Treatment, Tropical Savannas Management, Sustainable Acquaculture of Finfish and Australian Weed Management.

UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said it was significant that five of these six centres related to sustainability issues.

"This reflects the University's strengths in natural resource management and sustainable technologies," Professor Greenfield said.

"And the University's role in the CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases confirms once again Queensland's standing as a major player in molecular and medical bioscience."

Overall, the Federal Government announced funding across Australia for 19 successful CRCs worth $325 million over the next seven years.

For further information contact Jan Massey, Director of the Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies on 07 3365 3559, Professor Don McKee (for enquiries relating to coal sustainability) on 07 3365 1370 or Shirley Glaister at UQ Communications on 07 3365 2339.