Queensland Future Conversations
Innovation: Powering Future Industries
Presented in collaboration with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist for National Science Week
Wednesday 23rd August 2023
Speakers' Hall, Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane
Queensland Future Conversations kicked off the second half of the year with a special event for National Science Week on Wednesday 23 of August 2023, co-hosted by UQ’s Centre for Policy Futures, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, and the Queensland Office of the Chief Scientist.
The theme of the event, Innovation: Powering Future Industries, mirrored that of this year’s Science Week celebration of science and technology, which has particular special significant for Queensland. Innovation is the cornerstone of progress and STEM innovation is happening at an extraordinary pace across every major sector, including agriculture, medicine, resources, and energy. Our State has exceptional scientists who are leading key innovations with the potential to improve the lives of Queenslanders and global citizens as we transition to a low carbon future.
The briefing session brought together three leading experts from each of the universities to Parliament- Dr Ruby Michael (Griffith), Associate Professor Joshua Watts (QUT), and Associate Professor Esteban Marcellin (UQ). Dr Christine Williams acted as MC, and the proceedings were opened by The Honourable Stirling Hinchcliffe, Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
The first speaker, Dr Michael, presented on “Re-Building Soil and Plant Ecosystems,” emphasising the many benefits of greening our cities and infrastructure, which range from climate regulation and cooling to stormwater management and flood prevention, water and air quality improvements, safe-waste containment, and health and well-being. Associate Professor Watts then spoke on “Building Better Batteries”, highlighting the opportunities that Queensland has to value add, innovate and lead battery research and testing nationally. Continuing the focus on Queensland, Associate Professor Marcellin delivered his presentation on “Enabling the Bioeconomy: a Path to Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Queensland,” exploring the state’s unique potential to produce sustainable aviation fuels for both local and international markets, with the correct support.
Following the presentations, the researchers joined a panel Q&A panel session with industry partners including Professor Peter Talbot (Executive Director, Feline Pty Ltd), Mr David Johnston (Jet Zero Australia), and Mr Chris Baker (Founder and Director, Sunshine Hydro).
Another special element of the morning was a showcase of both university, school and industry partners leading Queensland’s innovation agenda. Some of the areas covered by the display stands included hydrogen and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (Department of Energy and Public Works), better batteries and storage (QUT), climate action and sustainable planning (Atlas Soils, givvable, Linked Group Services), converting waste water into hydrogen (UQ Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation), and exploring new materials and space (Griffith). The displays were open to the attendees of the event, and following the proceedings they were perused by over 50 year 9 students from 14 schools.
(Above, left to right): A/Prof Esteban Marcellin, Prof Peter Talbot, Dr Ruby Michael, Mr David Johnston, A/Prof Joshua Watts, Mr Chris Baker, and Dr Christine Williams
(Above, left to right): Professor Carolyn Evans (Vice-Chancellor and President, Griffith University), Professor Deborah Terry AO (Vice-Chancellor and President, UQ), Distinguished Professor Christopher Barner-Kowollik (Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice-President, Research (QUT), and The Honourable Stirling Hinchcliffe, Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
Above top: the display showcase. Above bottom: Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa, Emilyn Tan and Dr Yuming Wu from the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation, UQ School of Chemical Engineering
RESEARCHER AND PANELLIST BIOGRAPHIES
RESEARCHER PRESENTATIONS
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