Research
Our collaborative research is delivered across three integrated Research Programs, each with clear priorities and outputs.
The three integrated Research Programs support the full innovation pathway, from growing sustainable marine resources (Program 1), to developing advanced processing technologies (Program 2), and creating market-ready marine bioproducts (Program 3). Supporting these Research Programs is our Education & Training Program, which supports the next generation of researchers, industry professionals and innovators, building the skilled workforce needed to grow Australia’s marine bioproducts industry.
Many of our partners contribute across multiple programs, enabling ideas, technologies and discoveries to progress more rapidly from research into commercial application. Through collaborations with leading innovation hubs in Europe, New Zealand and beyond, we also facilitate international knowledge exchange, technology transfer and access to global expertise, strengthening Australia’s capacity to develop sustainable, high-value marine bioproducts.
Research Program One
Sustainable Marine Resources
Growing marine bioproducts
Program 1 focuses on expanding the range, quality and yield of Australian marine biomass available for bioproduct development. This includes optimising species and site selection, production systems and environmental management for macroalgae, microalgae and microbes. The program also embeds best practice governance, addressing social licence, regulatory frameworks, biosecurity, risk management, certification and sustainability to ensure responsible and scalable biomass production.
Research Program Two
Innovative Bioprocessing Technologies
Making marine bioproducts
Program 2 converts marine biomass into high value marine bioproducts through advanced biomanufacturing. Using a biorefinery approach, the program targets complete biomass utilisation by producing multiple products from a single input. Integrated tools and pilot scale biorefinery testing are used to de risk scale up, support investment decisions and accelerate industry adoption.
Research Program Three
Australian Marine Bioproducts
Delivering marine bioproducts
Program 3 drives the commercial delivery of environmentally sustainable marine bioproducts derived from Australian macroalgae, microalgae, microbes and marine by product streams. The program develops and applies specialist tools to support market entry, regulatory pathways and global competitiveness, fast tracking commercial success across Australia’s marine bioproducts sector.