2022 Laureate Profile: Professor Matt Trau

Professor Matt Trau

Administering Organisation: The University of Queensland

Fellowship Project Summary

FL220100059 – Digital chemistry and catalysis: redefining reactions in confined systems

Fuel, food ingredients, medicines and batteries all have one thing in common - chemistry and the manufacturing of the molecules needed to provide these common products for everyday use in a modern society. This project seeks to transform how these molecules are manufactured and through a unique, ground-breaking new technology to achieve high-quality, low-cost nano-manufacturing (the production of very small and precise materials used in products like sunscreen, bandages or antibacterial handwash). This unique nanotechnology platform can accelerate chemical reactions in ways currently not possible in conventional large-scale factories and often environmentally polluting manufacturing processes. This project's outcomes will enable on-demand, remote manufacturing (such as 3D printing) in a more environmentally friendly way with applications such as lifesaving medicines, food production, energy storage and vaccines. The unique intellectual property generated through this project will place Australia at the leading edge of this field, while accelerating Australia’s growing high technology industry base, and enabling a greater level of manufacturing capability in Australia.

Australian Research Council funding: $2,937,786

Find out more information about Professor Matt Trau and their research areas of interest to date by visiting their profile page here: Professor Matt Trau - Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

For further information about this funding scheme, please visit the Australian Laureate Fellowships page.

Image credit: The University of Queensland