Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy
We deliver profitable, sustainable and resilient agricultural and bioeconomy technologies and systems.
About us
The Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy brings together QUT’s expertise in agriculture and bioeconomy research to help feed the world sustainably and develop cleaner, greener bioproducts.
What we do
How can we help farmers grow more food using less resources? How do we make our agricultural systems more resistant to climate change? Can agricultural waste be processed into valuable, renewable products? These are some of the research questions being investigated by the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy.
Better crops for all
We’re helping to feed the world by developing more resilient and nutritious tropical crops such as bananas, sugarcane, chickpeas, mungbeans, pigeonpeas, rice, sweet sorghum and tropical fruits for Australia, Africa and South-East Asia.
Creating a greener future
Our research is discovering innovative ways to manufacture renewable high-value fuels, chemicals, animal feeds and other bioproducts from agricultural wastes.
Sustainable agriculture
We’re generating knowledge and solutions to make Australia’s farms more sustainable and profitable, improving productivity and biodiversity through better management of crops, soil, water and energy.
Our programs
Sustainable agroecosystems
We specialise in the integrated study of soils, plants and the atmosphere for profitable and environmentally sustainable food and fibre production.
Banana biotechnology
We are a world leader in banana biotechnology working to develop bananas with disease resistance and improved nutrition.
Crop and biofactory plant genomics
We sequence, edit and study the genomes and epigenomes of a wide range of plant species.
Industrial and synthetic biotechnology
We develop agricultural and industrial processes and products that are better for consumers, the environment and the economy.
Bioprocessing
We develop agricultural commodities, by-products and waste streams into value-added products.
Future leaders
Our future leaders program provides collaborative support and opportunities for early and mid-career researchers in agriculture and the bioeconomy.
Agrifood systems
We conduct research in food security, waste and governance, and develop technologies and processes for sustainable food systems.
Research facilities
Supported by the Institute for Future Environments, the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy has access to a wide range of world-class research facilities to support research, teaching and learning and enable real-world results.
The Central Analytical Research Facility provides specialist equipment and expert scientists to help you carry out analytical research.
The Biorefining Research Facility develops innovative products and processes to build a sustainable and profitable biorefining industry in Australia.
The Samford Ecological Research Facility is a living laboratory for ecological research and educational experiences for researchers, students and visitors.
The Research Engineering Facility provides cutting-edge research engineering and technology services including drones, aviation, robotics and autonomous systems.
Leadership
Professor Sagadevan Mundree
Centre Director
Biochemistry and cell biology, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology.
Find out more
Professor Ian O'Hara
Deputy Centre Director
Chemical engineering, industrial biotechnology.
Find out more
Case studies
Contact us
Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy
Institute for Future Environments
Level 3, H Block
Gardens Point
2 George St
Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
Postal address
Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy
Institute for Future Environments
GPO Box 2434
Brisbane QLD 4001
