Solar biotechnologies: harnessing light to power to solve global challenges | UQ

"Ben Hankamer is an exceptional individual whose influence is difficult to fully capture. Beyond his world-leading expertise in microalgae and the transformative opportunities their cultivation unlocks, Ben embodies a rare combination of professionalism, vision, and humanity.

Through his dedication and outstanding leadership, he has built a team at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience that operates at the highest level. Colleagues draw inspiration not only from his academic excellence but also from his warmth and authenticity. He has created an environment where people feel encouraged to innovate, explore bold ideas, and grow—confident that when challenges arise, they will find capable and supportive collaborators by their side. This culture makes ambitious goals feel achievable, and the results speak for themselves.

What sets Ben apart is his commitment to purpose. His team works with a clear focus on developing sustainable, ecologically sound, and economically viable solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Their innovations aim not only to improve human health and wellbeing but also to protect and enhance life in all its forms.

Ben’s vision, leadership and encouragement continue to inspire me—and many others—to believe in the possibility of a better future, and to contribute to building it, one project at a time."
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‍Ivan Dayrell - Greenalgi Pty Ltd

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"This letter supports Professor Ben Hankamer’s nomination within the Problem Solver category of these Awards. For the past five years, my company has collaborated with Professor Hankamer and his team to develop and confirm a scalable plug-and-play microalgae technology that unlocks vast mine-affected water resources to generate bioeconomic activity for post-mining communities.

The recipient of continuous funding by mining industry partners, the project has progressed from an initial desktop feasibility study to a pre-commercial stage planned for 2026. Laboratory and pilot scale studies at Professor Hankamer’s Centre for Solar Biotechnology has delivered novel research to confirm:

• A novel mechanism by which the harvesting of some microalgae strains reduces the salt content of mineaffected water. The refinement of this biological mechanism aims to support the commercialised technology’s potential desalination of mine-affected water. This outcome promises to unlock this water to support high value cropping in semi-arid regions.

• Pathways for processing harvested biomass into high value bioproducts to offset desalination costs and to generate regional employment. The planned pre-commercial phase of Professor Hankamer’s research has received considerable support from industry and regional government.

• BHP and Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Stanmore Resources have both committed significant funding to this phase of work. This investment reflects that the industry’s need to confirm a sustainable post-mining land use for saline water-filled mine-pits.

• Isaac Regional Council has lobbied for the project to commence adjacent to a mine site within its region. It understands the technology will provide a means to re-commercialise final pit lakes to generate postmining employment.

The continuous and generous industry support received by this research reflects Professor Hankamer’s careful engagement with industry. This engagement has undertaken to clarify industry requirements to ensure the commercialised technology’s rapid adoption."

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Leigh Trevaskis - Managing Director, Valarion Pty Ltd‍