Sustianable plastics

This Project aims to design and develop compostable plastics. The project will utilise new and sustainable feedstocks to build new plastics alternatives. The team has already created compostable dynamic thermosets incorporating coffee waste. In collaboration with a new start-up company this project will look to further develop the fundamental chemistry to create sustainable plastics.

The student will have skills in organic and polymer chemistry and be passionate about the environment and have an entrepreneurial spirt as the work will be in close collaboration with a start-up company.

https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/how-scientists-are-making-bioplastic-coffee

The Australian National University  

ANU is a world leading university ANU was ranked 31^st in the world (1^st in Australia) by the 2024 QS World University Rankings, and 73rd in the world (fifth in Australia) by the 2024 Times Higher Education.

The Research School of Chemistry (RSC) is the home of chemistry at ANU and the breadth of our teaching and research activities mirrors the cross- and multi-disciplinary impacts of chemistry in our daily lives. The RSC accommodates over twenty world-class researchers who lead research groups comprising undergraduate and postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.  

The RSC is housed in new, state-of-the-art buildings with first-class infrastructure, instrumentation and teaching spaces. Research and teaching are supported and enabled by highly skilled professional and technical staff. Comprehensive pastoral care and learning support is provided for all students and the School is a collegial and cohesive community. The Research School of Chemistry offers the very best environment for studying and research in chemistry. 

About Canberra 

Canberra has the power to surprise, with its abundance of food, wine, art, culture, ideas and innovation. As an evolving city, this element of surprise continues even once you’ve made Canberra your home, with new developments, events and opportunities constantly emerging to keep life interesting. Canberra is a planned city – designed to maximise opportunities for work and play. As our Nation’s Capital, big ideas emerge, circulate and grow here, thanks to unique links between leading thinkers in business, government, education and research. Our dynamic economy, highly educated workforce and an innovative business culture provide career and business opportunities unique to Canberra. 

Our healthy appetite for outdoor pursuits is enhanced by the natural resources available: from sailing on Lake Burley Griffin, mountain biking at the world class Mount Stromlo facility or heading up to the Snowy Mountains for a day on the slopes. We are also home to most of Australia’s major national cultural institutions, with whom the University has a close relationship, and a cultural calendar overflowing with international exhibitions, arts festivals and entertainment. 

To APPLY 

Only students with a GPA above 8 out of 10, or 3.5 out of 4.0, or high distinction (HD), or equivalent are eligible to apply (degrees in Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Science, Chemistry, or related disciplines)

If you meet the HDR admission requirements please send an email directly to Prof Luke Connal ith the following information: 

o Email subject: Prospective PhD compostable plastics

o Email body: please provide: 

– Your background, experience, and research interests. 

– List of any other relevant research or industrially relevant achievements. 

– When you expect to be able to start your PhD if successful. 

o Attachments: CV, academic transcripts, and an additional PDF file which includes certificates of prizes, awards, recognitions or any other supporting evidence. 

Funding Notes