A biosolids resource management centre has been launched at RMIT University in Australia, with an aim to transform the biosolids resource management in Australia. The Australian Research Council Training Centre for Australia's biosolids resource transformation centre is based at RMIT University's Bundoora campus.
Biosolids are by-products of the wastewater treatment process, which can be used as fertilisers in land rehabilitation or as construction material. However, nearly 30% of the global by-products go to the landfill or stockpiled.
RMIT's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, and Vice President, Prof Calum Drummond, said that the centre is the main investment in tackling the challenge. The RMIT's centre strengthens in solving complex problems through research and innovation. The industry's training is the next generation of biosolids managers for the water sector.
The first group of researchers would include 11 postdoctoral researchers and 14 postgraduate students along with trainees from the postgraduate student's group to complete the industry-based research within a year.
Getting the industry's experience would help to enhance the skills and networks according to the research, and it will help to become work-ready, Drummond said.
Along with training the next generation of biosolids managers, the centre will also advance fundamental and translational biosolids research.
Prof Andrew Ball, Centre Director, said that the research would provide new opportunities for many Australian industries.
The centre will provide significant benefit to the industry as the economic value of new applications and market opportunities, with delivering cost-saving in an eco-friendly manner, he said.
The training centre will be vital for creating innovative products and knowledge of the biosolids industry. It will be a place for researchers to participate in graduate-level training, which is essential for Industrial Transformation Priority areas of food and agricultural business.
