The Queensland Government has announced four groundbreaking projects focusing on 3D printing and sustainability that have received funding through the Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program – demonstrating the power of cross-border partnerships in accelerating technological advancements and tackling global challenges.
Each project will receive up to $130,000 from the Queensland Government, with Queensland partners contributing at least $80,000 more. The projects include cutting-edge research into 3D printed biodegradable scaffolds for bone regeneration and sustainable electronic manufacturing – highlighting the power of additive manufacturing in creating solutions for both healthcare and environmental issues.
One standout project, the ‘Convergence of Composite Material Manufacturing and Patient-Specific Implant Design (CoCoManuFact)’, focuses on 3D printing patient-specific biodegradable composite scaffolds for bone regeneration. This innovative approach is set to enhance and streamline the design and manufacturing processes – providing improved outcomes for patients with bone defects. The collaboration between Queensland University of Technology and Ludwig Maximilian University is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in biomedical engineering.
Another project, ‘Additive Green Electronics’, is tackling the electronic waste problem by developing bio-based, recyclable electronics using additive manufacturing. The team aims to create multilayered circuits and health-monitoring sensors using sustainable materials like polyamide-4 and copper. Collaborating with the University of Southern Queensland and the Technical University of Ingolstadt, the project envisions a future where electronics are both high-performance and eco-friendly.
The Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program, initiated in May 2023, is a partnership between Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts. It fosters collaboration in areas such as additive manufacturing, biomedical research, and cleantech – supporting both Queensland’s economic strategies and global sustainability goals.
Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson emphasized the importance of this initiative in promoting world-class science and innovation, particularly through advanced technologies like 3D printing that contribute to a zero-emissions future and enhanced healthcare solutions.
