2024 recipients

This project aims to utilise advanced computational modelling and experimental three-dimensional high-resolution peripheral computed tomography to explore the effects of different types of mechanical disuse conditions on the rate of bone loss and assess the efficacy of different types of exercise to counteract bone loss. This project overall aims to help identify efficient physiological exercises to be used for the clinical treatment of disuse-related osteoporosis.

This project aims to conduct a proof-of-concept study to elucidate the interplay between in-utero foetal motion dynamics and prenatal joint morphogenesis (PJM). Through utilising 3D ultrasound imaging techniques, and advanced computational modelling, to capture foetal motion and deduce mechanical forces on prenatal joints of the lower libs, this project aims to provide quantitative insights into abnormal PJM to pave the way for early clinical interventions.

Health, life sciences, biomedical research, and bioeconomy.

This project aims to explore the implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) on organisational governance and employee behaviour by understanding how GAI tools like ChatGPT are utilised by employees and what enhancements may be needed for their effective use. Through focus group interviews, and collaborations with industry leaders, this project aims to develop a governance model and a concept paper to guide organisations to use the development governance model in a responsible and purposeful manner.

This project aims to investigate the environmental impacts of spectator mobility within an events context. Through investigating spectators' modal choices at professional sporting events, and the associated GHG emissions impacts in both Bavaria and Queensland, this study aims to use case studies and surveys to assess modal choices and associated carbon emissions impact, before analysing the data into a report of recommendations on how the carbon footprint could be reduced.

This project aims to use novel mass spectrometry techniques to better understand the metabolic fate of novel bacterial biofilm treatments and to analyse the treatment of biofilm-associated infections. Through using novel in situ mass spectrometry methods to assess metabolic changes in planktonic cultures and on biofilm cultures in an untargeted manner, this project aims to generate new knowledge on the effect of drug therapies on biofilms, the role of drug resistance, and the cell response of bacteria to various treatments.

This project aims to undertake a series of bilateral workshops and knowledge transfer activities to develop unique energy-efficient solutions to harnessing waste biomass and promoting a circular chemical industry. Through collaborating with researchers and partnerships in Queensland and Bavaria, this project aims to establish a consortium to address the challenges associated with the transition of chemical manufacturing away from fossil feedstocks and towards a circular economy where hard-to-abate transportation fuels are manufactured from sustainably sourced organic waste.

Energy

Health, life science, biomedical research, and bioeconomy

Control of heat transfer is one of the most challenging aspects of hypersonic flight and access to space. This project aims to validate the University of Landshut's (UL's) unique Atomic Layer Thermopile (ALTP) heat flux sensors over a full prospective spacecraft atmospheric entry envelope at UQ’s hypervelocity shock tunnels. This pilot proof of concept study will extend and validate the operation and accuracy of the ALTP over a wide range of conditions for hypervelocity ground testing.

This project aims to redesign enzymes and protype them through two generative AI hackathon activities at UQ and then TUM Campus Straubing, Bavaria. This project taps into the power of generative AI to revolutionize enzyme discovery and optimization for cell-free biomanufacturing and seeks to strengthen the capacity for computationally guided enzyme engineering to support the emerging bioeconomy. By bringing together expertise in machine learning, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, and bioeconomy, the project aims to identify different training strategies and prototype AI-methods through collaborative hackathons.

Health, life sciences, biomedical research, and bioeconomy.

Carbon is a crucial material in energy technology in devices like batteries and fuel cells. Photolithographic additive manufacturing and subsequent pyrolysis allows fabricating of synthetic designer carbon electrodes with tuneable multiscale structural features, opening substantial performance-enhancing capabilities for batteries, flow batteries, and fuel cells. This project brings together TUM Bavaria's expertise in designing and carbonising photopolymer derived carbon electrodes and QUT's ability to photochemically synthesize polymers with purpose-tailored molecular structures. This project constitutes a proof-of-principle study and will start a long-term collaboration between the groups.

This project aims to undertake two interdisciplinary workshops to encourage cross-learning between Bavaria and Queensland regarding the legal frameworks each government holds for carbon farming, including blue carbon. Targeted at researchers, doctoral and advanced students, the workshops will comparatively explore measures under the Paris Agreement to reach climate neutrality from a multi-level perspective.

Energy

This project aims to develop an overarching efficient automated process control for integrated light-driven microalgae production and downstream processes to produce sustainable products from high-value biopharmaceuticals to renewable fuels. The project will develop automation protocols to develop next generation high-efficiency solar biotechnology systems that integrate media supply, bioreactor operation, cell separation and product refinement.

Energy (including green hydrogen, synthetic fuels and energy storage)

Health, life sciences, biomedical research and bioeconomy.

This project aims to develop more accurate intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture risk prediction methods to improve patient care and prevent IA haemorrhage and strokes. More specifically, the project aims to create innovative technologies in biomedical additive manufacturing including developing patient-specific IAs which can be cellularised, incorporated into a realistic blood flow-mimicking perfusion system, and used as a model for IA rupture risk and intervention.

Health, life sciences, biomedical research and bioeconomy

This project aims to develop a clinically applicable design and manufacturing workflow for 3D printing of patient-specific biodegradable composite scaffolds for bone regeneration. By enhancing and streamlining the design and manufacturing processes, this project aims to improve patient outcomes in the treatment of bone defects.

Health, life sciences, biomedical research and bioeconomy

This project aims to address electronic waste by utilising bio-based, recyclable electronics using polyamide-4 (PA-4) and copper sintering. In developing a sustainable electronics manufacturing process with minimal environmental impacts, this project will assess the feasibility of PA-4 as a substrate, develop Cu complex inks that are compatible for low-temperature sintering on PA-4, utilise additive manufacturing to create multilayered circuits, and demonstrate a functional health monitoring sensor.

Cleantech and emission reduction technologies

Health, life sciences, biomedical research and bioeconomy