Circularity by design
Polymers made to last, recover and regenerate.
The University of Queensland · November 2026
Engineering
Polymers for a
sustainable future.
A focused international symposium on the materials, chemistry and engineering shaping cleaner energy and circular industry.
Polymer science · Energy transitions · Circular systemsScroll to discover ↓
01 — The symposium
Where molecular imagination meets material impact.
Engineering Polymers for Sustainable Chemistry and Energy brings together leading researchers for two days of collaboration meetings, invited lectures and practical exchange at UQ.
We will advance shared priorities across CO₂ capture and utilisation, clean-energy production and storage, optoelectronics and biomedical applications.
Join the conversation →Energy at interfaces
Materials for batteries, hydrogen and solar conversion.
Cleaner chemistry
Advanced macromolecules that lower process impact.
02 — Programme
Two days of ideas,
discussion and connection.
Day one — collaboration12 Nov
Welcome coffee
Meet the visiting delegation and UQ community.
One-to-one collaboration meetings
Held at the School of Chemical Engineering, Andrew N. Liveris Building (Building 46).
Five bookable sessions with Prof. Zachary Hudson, Prof. Huibin Qiu and Assist. Prof. Zhe Yang.
Networking lunch
Followed by UQ campus visits, lab tours and informal Brisbane networking.
Day two — symposium13 Nov · 08:40–17:00
Symposium opening
Dr. Min Liu, The University of Queensland.
Invited presentations I
Invited presentations II
Closing remarks
A/Prof. Cheng Zhang, The University of Queensland.
03 — Invited speakers
Voices moving
the field forward.
More than 10 leading researchers and practitioners will share the work that is redefining what polymers can do.
Prof. Georgina Such
Sustainable polymer delivery systems
Prof. Zachary Hudson
Luminescent polymer nanoparticles
A/Prof. Paul Shaw
Organic semiconductors, solar cells and fluorescence-based sensors
A/Prof. Hendrik Frisch
Photochemistry and peptide-programmed functional polymers
A/Prof. Cheng Zhang
Controlled polymer structure
Prof. Cyrille Boyer
Light-responsive and functional polymeric materials
Prof. Andrew K Whittaker
Responsive polymer nanomaterials for nanomedicine, imaging and photolithography
Assist. Prof. Zhe Yang
Membrane-based lithium extraction
Prof. Hang Ta
Nanomaterials for molecular imaging, theranostics and cardiovascular disease
Prof. Huibin Qiu
Living crystallization-driven self-assembly
A/Prof. Qiang Fu
Hydrogel networks for water & energy
A/Prof. Timothy Scott
Dynamic polymer networks and rapid additive manufacturing
A/Prof. Ruirui Qiao
Smart biomaterials, precision delivery and 3D/4D-printed soft robotic systems
Dr. Le Tu
Machine learning for sustainable polymers
04 — Organising committee
Bringing the symposium together.
Hosted by colleagues at The University of Queensland.
Dr. Min Liu
The University of Queensland
min.liu@uq.edu.au
A/Prof. Cheng Zhang
The University of Queensland
c.zhang3@uq.edu.au
05 — Venue
Meet at AIBN,
on the UQ campus.
The symposium will be held in the AIBN Level 1 Seminar Room, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Building 75, corner of College and Cooper Roads, The University of Queensland, St Lucia.
AIBN, Building 75
Level 1 Seminar RoomSt Lucia campus
Brisbane QLD 4072
Level 1 Seminar RoomSt Lucia campus
Brisbane QLD 4072
06 — Visitor stay guide
Stay close. Arrive relaxed.
We recommend booking early for November. These options put visitors within easy reach of UQ by bus, ferry or rideshare.
Toowong · closest
Jephson Hotel
Convenient for campus and Toowong Village; a short bus or ferry connection to UQ St Lucia.
Visit hotel ↗Toowong · apartment stay
Toowong Villas
Self-contained accommodation with straightforward access to campus from the inner west.
Visit hotel ↗South Bank · riverside
Rydges South Bank
A central stay near dining and culture; use the CityCat from South Bank to UQ St Lucia.
Visit hotel ↗South Bank · premium
Emporium Hotel
Luxury suites and a lively riverside setting, with a direct ferry route to the campus precinct.
Visit hotel ↗Easy public transport: Translink services are just 50¢ per journey. Tap on and off with a contactless credit or debit card, or use a go card. Check fare details ↗
For public transport guidance and more accommodation options, see UQ's visitor information.
Free registration · 13 November
Reserve your seat
at the symposium.
Registration is free. Please register for the full-day symposium on Thursday 13 November so we can plan catering for food and drinks.
Your details, including dietary requirements, will be prepared in an email addressed to Dr Min Liu.