Perception and uptake of novel CO2 transformation technologies: What can we do with the CO2?

The project will conduct a cost-benefit analysis of emerging technologies for decarbonisation, including electrochemical technologies, by taking into consideration the social, economic and environmental aspects of these technologies by applying the triple bottom line approach.

We seek a PhD candidate interested in understanding how the public perceives new technologies for transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful products and chemicals. The student will collaborate with experts to:

• conduct life-cycle and cost-benefit analyses of different CO2 transformation technologies;
• develop frameworks to consider both the CO2 mitigation potential and/or benefit of products produced from CO2; and
• develop methodology to integrate circular economy concepts for the fulfilment of sustainable development objectives.
• In addition, based on surveys and experimental data, the student will also model public perception and technology preferences/choices along the supply chain.  

Your earlier training can be in a variety of disciplines but students with a background in: systems thinking, life-cycle assessment, process engineering, and/or an aptitude for applying a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods in industrial ecology are encouraged to apply. Surveys, behavioural experiments, and some econometric tools may be used in parts of the study. There will be opportunities for some methodological skills development as part of the PhD. You should be willing to work with a team of scholars from engineering, natural and social sciences as well.

You will be funded through the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence on Green Electrochemical Transformation of CO2 (GETCO2). Students will be based at The University of Queensland in the School of Chemical Engineering under the principal supervisor of A/Prof Simon Smart. This position will have co-supervision with partner investigator Professor Saleem H. Ali who is based at the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences at the University of Delaware, USA and there will also be funds available for the student to spend some significant time there. 

The project is in the Australian Research Council's Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide and hosted in the UQ School of Chemical Engineering's Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation.

The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GETCO2) gathers a critical mass of expertise to tackle the world’s biggest challenge – carbon dioxide. Led by Professor Xiwang Zhang, GETCO2 is a $45M, 7-year collaboration funded by the ARC, university, industry, and government partners. Our national university partners are The University of Queensland, Griffith University, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, RMIT, Monash University and University of Adelaide. GETCO2 is the world’s largest research endeavour focusing on electrochemical conversion of CO2 into useful products such as fuels and chemicals. Acting as a focal point for research, training, technology translation and advice, GETCO2 is positioned as a global leader in carbon dioxide transformation. The Centre aims to generate long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits by building capacity and capability to address national and international net-zero obligations. Further information about the Centre can be found at www.getco2.org 

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 engineering, natural and social sciences would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of industrial ecology as well as social science techniques to consider uptake of new technologies and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of industrial ecology as well as science and technology studies (STS)  is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Associate Professor Simon Smart (s.smart@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 20 September, 2024 20 September, 2024.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter DECARBONIZATION-SMART.

Apply now