$3.6 million for contamination research

13 Aug 2018

Efforts to rehabilitate contaminated environments have netted University of Queensland researchers more than $3.6 million, with UQ being awarded four out of nine grants funded through an Australian Research Council (ARC) Special Research Initiative.

The grants focus on the remediation of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) chemicals once used in many household products and firefighting foams.

Rehabilitating areas where PFAS has been used have become a priority as scientists learn of the damaging effects of the chemicals on humans, animals and the environment.

UQ scientists will work with other research and industry partners to tackle the problem via a range of innovative methods.

UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj said the projects showed the real-world applications of UQ’s research excellence.

“To gain four out of the nine available grants – more than any other university – demonstrates the expertise and value of UQ researchers,” he said.

“Researchers will partner with international organisations, including respected research institutes, to tackle this problem in inventive new ways.

“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this world-changing research.”

The four successful project leaders are:

The latest ARC funding follows on UQ’s earlier success, with the University awarded a record-breaking six ARC Australian Laureate Fellows this month.

A full list of funded projects is available at the ARC.

Media: UQ Communications; communications@uq.edu.au; (07) 3365 3439 or +61 (0) 429 056 139.

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