The University of Queensland (UQ) welcomed more than 100 delegates to its St Lucia campus on 6 November for the 18th UQ–Latin American Colloquium.
The event focused on biofuels as a catalyst for the global energy transition, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and diplomats—including five Ambassadors—to explore shared challenges and opportunities.
Keynote presenter Professor Esteban Marcellin, Director of UQ’s Biosustainability Hub, joined distinguished speakers, including His Excellency Mr Maximo Gowland, Ambassador of Argentina to Australia; His Excellency Mr Diego Cadena Montenegro, Ambassador of Colombia to Australia; and Kim Prior, CEO of the Australia–Latin America Business Council (ALABC).
A highlight was a panel discussion featuring Her Excellency Mrs Dianela Pi, Ambassador of Uruguay to Australia, as well as Mac Irvine (Jet Zero Australia), Nicole Ehrenfeld (Chile’s National Agency of Research and Development), Rupert Maloney (Alternative Fuels, Clean Energy Finance Corporation), and bioenergy entrepreneur Carlos Vazquez. Moderated by Caroline Stott from UQ’s Strategic Partnerships Office, the panel underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration between universities, government, and industry to advance energy innovation across Latin America and Australia.
In her opening address, UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said the long-running Colloquium reflects UQ’s deep and growing engagement with the region.
“UQ’s relationships in Latin America span government, academia and industry, and extend across multiple sectors including mining, energy, agriculture, public health and education. Importantly, these relationships are delivering real world innovation and impact.”
Professor Terry highlighted the strategic importance of biofuels for the Australia–Latin America relationship, aligning both regions on shared priorities of energy security, sustainability, and economic diversification.
“To protect the planet, ensure long-term economic stability, and secure a liveable future for generations to come, it is clear that we need to be working towards a global transition to cleaner energy sources... sources like solar, wind, and hydro power, as well as less commonly discussed sources such as biofuels.”
UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) Mr Brett Lovegrove said biofuels represent a unique opportunity for collaboration.
“Latin America offers vast biomass resources and a strong agricultural base, while Australia brings world-class expertise in biotechnology and industrial innovation. By combining these strengths, we can accelerate research, scale production and create new trade and investment pathways that deliver economic and environmental benefits for both regions.”
“UQ is proud to foster these connections and drive innovation that supports energy security and sustainability worldwide.”
The Colloquium follows a recent Senior Executive Mission to Latin America, led by Professor Terry and UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese AO, which strengthened ties with universities, governments, and industry partners across the region.
UQ continues to expand its global footprint through strategic partnerships and international missions, advancing research and education that address global challenges and support sustainable development.
For more information about UQ’s partnerships in Latin America, visit Global Partnerships.
