Building a strong and viable biofuels industry to support jobs for the future is the focus of a week-long challenge for some of Queensland's top science students.
Sixteen students have been selected to join QUT's Process Engineering Challenge at the QUT's Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant from June 23-26.
The budding student engineers have been tasked with investigating biochemical processes at the plant, before designing and carrying out laboratory experiments to create biofuels.
They will present their research and experimental results to senior management, QUT experts and industry representatives at the end of the week.
QUT's Institute of Future Environment Director Jim Reeves, biofuels expert Dr Tom Rainey and Associate Professor in Microbial Biotechnology Robert Speight will also be on hand to discuss the future of the industry and mentor students.
QUT STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) teacher-in-residence Anne Brant said the camp was an invaluable learning platform for students who want to purse chemical and process engineering careers.
"It's something very special for these students to say they have conducted research in an industrial laboratory on real plant projects before beginning a university course," Mrs Brant said.
"It also exposes regional and Brisbane students to a growing industry that uses their local resources in light of the diminishing jobs market in the coal industry."
The Queensland Government is committed to the introduction of a biofuel mandate from 1 July 2016 with submissions on a discussion paper closing 3 July, 2015.
High res images are available on flickr
Media/Vision opportunity:
Date 23-26 June
Location: Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant, State Route 70, Racecourse Qld 4740
The schools involved in the Mackay challenge are:
- Queensland Academies Science Mathematics & Technology Campus (Toowong)
- Kirwan State High School (Townsville)
- Chanel College (Gladstone)
- Pimlico State High School (Townsville)
- Pioneer State High School (Mackay)
- Townsville Grammar School
- St. Patrick's College (Mackay)
- San Sisto College (Carina)
- Trinity College (Gladstone)
- Wavell State High School (Wavell Heights)
Media contacts:
**Media are welcome to arrange on-site filming and photo opportunities and can be provided with an itenerary of the week-long event.
- Debra Nowland, QUT media officer, d.nowland@qut.edu.au, 07 3138 1150
- Anne Brant, QUT STEM teacher-in-residence, anne.brant@qut.edu.au or 0401 242 499
- Melinda Clark, School Experience Officer, Melinda.clark@qut.edu.au, 07 3138 1759
