The memorandum of understanding was signed by PNNL Director of Strategic Partnerships, Doug Ray and QUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Commercialisation, Arun Sharma.

This is the first time PNNL has entered into a MOU involving joint staff appointments with a research institution outside the US. PNNL microbiologist Alex Beliaev is expected to hold the first joint research appointment between the two organizations. The agreement will also involve collaborative research and academic exchange including staff and students.

PNNL brings expertise in systems biology, including fungal, algal and microbial genomics, computational biology and an array of cutting-edge multi ’omics capabilities. The field of ’omics explores how genes, proteins and various metabolic products interact. The term arises from research that explores the function of biological components within the context of the entire cell to understand how organisms work, such as genomics for genes, proteomics for proteins, and so on.

QUT’s expertise lies with plant biotechnology, consolidated bioprocessing and process modeling. The QUT Center for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities partners with a wide range of commercial entities and funders such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Both institutions work in advanced thermochemical conversion of biomass to create biofuels, plant-derived chemicals and other bioproducts. The partnership will focus on work that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide low-carbon energy solutions in both countries.