National hub launched to transform untapped carbon waste

Monash Engineering officially launched the ARC Research Hub for Value-Added Processing of Underutilised Carbon Waste (VAPUCW) last week, marking a major national step toward advancing Australia’s circular economy.

Led by Professor Lian Zhang of Monash Chemical and Biological Engineering, with Professor Dongke Zhang at The University of Western Australia as Deputy Director, the Hub brings together a powerful consortium committed to advancing technologies, regulatory pathways and social engagement for transforming underutilised carbon waste in Australia and abroad.

At the launch, a warm welcome from Faculty of Engineering Dean Professor Yiannis Ventikos was followed by Professor Lian Zhang who shared his vision for the VAPUCW Hub.

Guests heard from VIP presenters Helen Partridge, Director of the Monash Research Office and Bonnie Johnson, acting Branch Manager (Executive Communications) at the ARC. Both emphasised the national significance of collaborative research in value-added carbon processing.

The Hub brings together three university representatives from The Group of Eight: Monash University, The University of Western Australia and The University of Queensland; two tier-1 technological universities QUT (Queensland University of Technology) and Curtin University; 16 industry partners; and sector organisations including Chemistry Australia, Enzide Technologies, Canopy Blue and others.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the official plaque by all VIPs, followed by a showcase of Hub projects and facilities including Monash Innovation Labs, and an interactive workshop.

We congratulate all members of the VAPUCW Hub on this exciting launch and look forward to their ground breaking research and innovative technologies that will help drive sustainable solutions for carbon waste.