The University of Queensland (UQ) has secured two of the four competitive grants awarded through the 2025 Queensland–Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program, reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability and innovation.
The projects aim to transform waste into valuable resources, advancing technologies that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support a circular bioeconomy. This work builds on UQ’s role as a founding member of the Global Bioeconomy Alliance (GBA), alongside partners in Germany, Brazil, Denmark and Mexico.
The first project, Engineering Pseudomonads for Sustainable Production of Oleochemicals (BioOlé), is led by Dr Birgitta Ebert, FABA Future Academic Leader in Fermentation at UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). The research will convert sugar industry by-products, such as sugar cane and beet residues, into eco-friendly fats used to make everyday materials like plastics.
“By engineering microorganisms to produce polymer building blocks from sugar industry by-products, we can create eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based and palm oil-derived materials,” Dr Ebert said.
“This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also supports a circular bioeconomy that benefits both industry and society.”
The second project, ‘Gas to Food for an Innovative and Advanced Circular Bioeconomy – Production of Renewable Outputs’, is led by Professor Jianhua Guo, UQ Amplify Fellow at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology. Research focuses on converting waste gases into sustainable protein for animal feed and even human food.
“By turning emissions into protein, we’re tackling two major challenges at once—reducing greenhouse gases and improving global food security,” Professor Guo said.
“Collaborating with German partners allows us to combine cutting-edge biotechnology with practical applications, creating a more resilient food system for the future.”
The Queensland–Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program awarded a total of $1 million to four innovative projects as part of a joint initiative between Queensland’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said the partnership highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.
“This program not only strengthens our scientific ties with Germany but also positions Queensland as a leader in growing the global bioeconomy,” Professor Wilson said.
“The four projects will explore scientific solutions that not only reduce our environmental impact but also build a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.”
