UQ researchers and partners secure $3m in CRC-P grants

Three University of Queensland researchers have partnered in $3.9 million in the latest round of Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) to support industry-led collaboration to find solutions for societal, environmental and economic challenges.   

The funding will support industry to partner with UQ researchers to improve wastewater treatment, develop cleaner marine fuels, and advance Indigenous-led dermatology technologies. 

CRC-P Round 17 grant outcomes:  

• Dr Cheng Zhang – remove PFAS – commonly known as “forever chemicals” – from wastewater using a patented sorbent technology that can integrate into existing treatment processes, enabling safe reuse of water and protecting communities and the environment.  

• Dr Bernardino Virdis – pilot a solar-powered method to turn waste-based biogas into green methanol, providing cleaner, affordable ship fuel which creates a local circular system. 

• Dr Jan Lauko – advance Indigenous-led innovation by establishing quality-controlled manufacturing for medical-grade spinifex nanofibres for dermatology treatments and an injectable gel, potentially making them safer, easier to use, and longer-lasting.