2024 RTP round - Microalgae-based CO2 capture process to produce bio-aviation fuel

Status: Closed

Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

Microalgae cultivation resembles a sunlight driven cell factory that can be used for a large-scale carbon capture and utilisation (CCU). A well-adapted/customised microalgae strain and an intensified photo-bioreactor can fix CO2 at a much faster rate achieving high biomass growth rate in the system. The produced biomass can be used as a feedstock for the production of bio-aviation fuel, if we manipulate a microalgae strain to accumulate desired bioactive components or metabolites. For example, the accumulation of lipid and carbohydrate are critical metabolites for bio-aviation fuel production. 

Overall aim is to adapt a microalgae strain to accumulate high % of lipid and carbohydrates in their cells. Then, the project will evaluate different pathways for biomass to fuel. Different combinations of biological, chemical, and physical processes will be employed to produce fuel from the biomass. 

The project will have the following specific objectives. 
(i) Screening and adaptation of microalgae strain for high CO2 fixation and biomass growth.
(ii) Further adaptation of the strain to accumulate high concentration of lipid and carbohydrates.
(iii) Optimisation of the cultivation process at different scales.
(iii) Process development to convert biomass to fuel. 

The proposed project aimed to develop a CO2 removal technology that can play pivotal role in developing "circular economy". The project aims to investigate both fundamental and applied science behind microalgae based CCU system. The proposed project is aligned with the strategic areas such as "responding to climate change" and "future energy technologies". 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.

Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships at the 2023 RTP rate valued at $32,250 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3 years, with a possible 6-month completion scholarship. Applicants are determined via a competitive selection process and will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2023. 

For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

All applicable HDR courses

Eligibility criteria

For this project, we are looking for a candidate who possesses a primary degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biotechnology or other related area with a good academic record. It is desirable that the candidate has experience of working in laboratory and microbiology system. A candidate should have strong communication and project management skills. Further, a candidate must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin University.

Application process

This project has identified a preferred candidate and is no longer available.  Please review remaining scholarships projects .

Enrolment Requirements

Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2024.

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 months of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.

Enquiries

The Project lead has identified a preferred candidate and is no longer accepting applications. Please click here to review remaining scholarships projects.

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