UniSQ professor awarded $1 million in funding for thermoelectric research

A University of Southern Queensland scientist has been awarded $1m in funding to take on climate change with an electric solution.

With the constant threat of climate change, there is a huge need for new, greener ways to combat the issue.

Fortunately, UniSQ Associate Professor Min Hong has dedicated himself to thermoelectrics, a clean energy technology able to take on the global issue.

Awarded $1m in funding by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowships Scheme award, Professor Hong’s research into thermoelectrics will be enhanced, finding ways to improve the technology.

USQ Associate Professor Min Hong has received the Australian Research Council Future Fellowships Scheme Award

Professor Hong explained that thermoelectrics is the direct conversion between heat and electricity, generating power using temperature differences.

“This clean energy technology has the advantages of zero emissions … it has the potential to combat energy waste and address climate change.” Professor Hong said.

Reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, and recycling water and heat waste is a huge factor in aiding the threat of climate change.

“The future fellowship will greatly enhance my research in the field … it will strengthen my research group, cover experimental expenses and new equipment and maintenance fees.”

Professor Hong said that currently there are challenges such as efficiency, cost, and scope.

However, the funding will ultimately help develop a new generation of high-performance energy harvesting technology.

The Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowships Scheme award will support four years of research for Professor Hong.