CSIRO Industry PhD - Investigating the potential applications of biomass and waste gasification by-products in other industries

This project will investigate challenges and potentials of biomass and waste gasification by-products such as ash, slag, and biochar for alternative applications. There are several potential applications for these materials in different industries, including cement and asphalt. The expected outcomes of the project are filling the gap in the knowledge on the technical challenges of using the biomass and waste gasification by-products. This project will also provide a thorough understanding of the commercial feasibility of the proposed applications for these by-products. Potential benefits include finding techno-economically feasible applications for utilising gasification by-products that will make the overall process zero-waste. This will also help the off-taking industries in their decarbonisation efforts by using more sustainable resources.

Supervisors

Principal Supervisor
Dr Jeff Chen - School of Chemical Engineering

Associate Supervisor
Dr. Vahid Shadravan - CSIRO

Associate Supervisor
Dr. Alex Ilyushechkin - CSIRO

Associate Supervisor
Denis Doucet - Wildfire Energy Australia Pty Ltd

CSIRO will provide access to an office, library, training facilities, computational capabilities, software license, pilot-scale gasification facilities, laboratories at the Pullenvale site and analytical facilities.

UQ will provide access to laboratory facilities 

Wildfire Energy will provide pilot-plant facility to collect different samples and data related to gasification by-products for the project

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of chemical, environmental or materials engineering would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of environmental science, chemistry and the potential for scholastic success.

Industrial experience of knowledge is highly desirable.

A Bachelor or Master degree in Chemical or Materials Science is essential. You must have a willingness to conduct both experimental and theoretical studies, good written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate and engage with multiple research partners and industries. 

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 20 December, 2025 25 December, 2030.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Jeff Chen (uqjchen7@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: BIOMASS CSIRO-CHEN
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/csiro-industry-phd-investigating-potential-applications-biomass-and-waste-gasification-products-other-industries

Submit an EOI