A new Research Training Centre based at RMIT University was officially launched today, aimed at transforming Australia's biosolids industry and training the next generation of industry-ready researchers.
Australian Research Council (ARC) Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kylie Emery, welcomed today's launch of the ARC Training Centre for Transformation of Australia's Biosolids Resource, receiving $3.8 million in funding from the ARC over 5 years to advance the management and transformation of the Australian biosolids industry by developing new technologies and products, and more environmentally sustainable land management practices.
Ms Emery said the ARC's Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme fosters close partnerships between researchers and end-users to provide innovative Higher Degree by Research and postdoctoral training for industries that are vital to Australia's future.
"The ARC Training Centre for Transformation of Australia's Biosolids Resource aims to deliver world-class technological solutions and knowledge and to train the next generation of biosolids specialists," said Ms Emery.
"Biosolids are a valuable by-product of the wastewater treatment process that can be used as fertiliser, in land rehabilitation or as a construction material. This Training Centre is expected to establish Australia as a world-leader in managing and reusing biosolids, which will have a significant impact in the fields of agribusiness, environment, manufacturing and policy."
"Researchers at the ARC Training Centre for Transformation of Australia's Biosolids Resource will collaborate with industry partners ranging from water management authorities and sustainable energy companies to the agricultural industry and environmental protection agencies."
"This Training Centre will be vital in creating innovative products and knowledge for the biosolids industry, and it will be a place where researchers can participate in graduate level training in the essential Industrial Transformation Priority areas of food and agribusiness, and advanced manufacturing, right here in Australia."
Researchers from the Training Centre at RMIT will work closely with The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia and The University of New South Wales along with the Imperial College London and the University of Arizona. A total of 19 additional Australian and international partner organisations will participate in the ARC Training Centre for Transformation of Australia's Biosolids Resource.
