QUT is launching a world-first initiative, led by internationally renowned air quality expert Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska, to demonstrate that existing buildings can meet proposed indoor air quality (IAQ) standards.
Professor Morawska was recently awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Science for her groundbreaking research and global leadership in air quality, including airborne disease transmission which have transformed public health policies, improved ventilation standards in public spaces, and influenced global responses to COVID-19 worldwide.
The three-year project will retrofit P Block, the 13-year-old Science and Engineering Building at Gardens Point, transforming it into a real-world model for IAQ excellence.
The initiative will monitor and validate air quality improvements aligned with proposed global standards designed to safeguard human health.
Professor Morawska is an Australian Laureate Fellow in the QUT School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, leads the ARC-funded THRIVE Centre and was named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in the world for her contribution to recognising airborne transmission of COVID-19.
The $3.4 million project is being supported by a landmark philanthropic gift, which is the first cryptocurrency donation accepted by a Queensland university.
The donation, made in USDC stablecoin and converted to AUD through Swyftx, was provided by Kanro, a philanthropic fund established by Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum.
Kanro focuses on airborne pandemic prevention and global public health. Mr Buterin has previously supported initiatives in Australia and beyond, including projects to alleviate the burden of chronic disease, especially Long COVID.
QUT is also contributing $1 million in funding towards the project.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said the university was proud to support a pioneering initiative that positioned QUT at the forefront of global efforts to improve public health through science and innovation.
"This project exemplifies QUT's commitment to research that delivers real-world impact," Professor Sheil said.
"By transforming one of our own buildings into a global model for indoor air quality, we are demonstrating leadership in creating healthier environments for communities everywhere."
Professor Morawska said the building would serve as a "living laboratory," showcasing real-time compliance monitoring, cost-benefit analysis and policy implications, with findings shared globally through open-source platforms and public briefings.
"This project will become a blueprint for the world on how to retrofit buildings to enhance indoor air quality making it healthier environments for its occupants," Professor Morawska said.
"People in modern societies spend 90 per cent of their time indoors yet there is generally nothing in place to address the ongoing operation of these buildings in respect of air quality and the levels of pollutants that people are exposed to.
"The ability to design new buildings to meet proposed standards is one thing, but for IAQ standards to have practical value, they must be implementable in existing buildings through retrofitted if necessary.
"There is a cost in the short term, however the social and economic benefits to public health, wellbeing and productivity will far outweigh the investment in cost to achieve clean indoor air."
Professor Morawska said the project built on her landmark 2024 Science paper, Mandating indoor air quality for public buildings.
The retrofit will integrate advanced sensors, artificial intelligence and smart building management systems to dynamically respond to air quality needs.
The outcomes aim to inform future building codes and public health regulations worldwide, ensuring safe, healthy and resilient indoor environments.
Top image, from left: Vice-Chancellor Margaret Sheil, Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska, Adjunct Associate Professor Wendy Miller and Registrar Leanne Harvey.
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