Flinders joins green chemistry centre

Flinders University researchers, led by Professor of Clean Technology Colin Raston, have joined a new multimillion-dollar Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre to develop more sustainable advanced manufacturing for chemical industries.

The ARC Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing will receive $3.68 million in funding over four years through the ARC’s Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP).

Led by Monash University, with collaborators at Flinders University, Deakin University and Curtin University, the centre will work on commercialisation and adoption of safer and more sustainable technologies and novel chemical products.

ARC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Sue Thomas, says the projects will enable researchers to work with industry and workers to help meet the global demand for products that are effective, safe and environmentally friendly.

“Australia is working to drive a vibrant modern, competitive and sustainable Australian manufacturing industry,” says Professor Thomas.

The ITRP’s Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme will include processes to efficiently manufacture novel pharmaceuticals, polymers and specialty chemicals; develop efficient fertilisers for agriculture; and recover and repurpose naturally derived by-products from the food industry to minimise waste and lead to new materials and feedstocks.

“Local and global experts will work together to provide the next generation of researchers and workers with industry relevant skills that will give them the confidence to lead the green chemistry approach in the Australian manufacturing Industry, creating jobs and opportunities for Australians,” says Professor Thomas.

SA Scientist of the Year Professor Raston says the ARC Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing will lead to many new research opportunities at Flinders University, as well as 20 national, international and government partners which will collaborate with the University partners for the next few years.

 

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College of Science and Engineering