3-D food printing

Restructuring food wastes through 3D food printing

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 February 2024

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

About the research project

This project is to research factors that govern the quality of products that can be produced by 3D food printing for adding value  food grade seconds and wastes. Lower grade food products such as mechanically recovered meats and second grade fruit and vegetables can be converted into new products by processing into forms suitable for food printing.  However, high-throughput commercial applications of 3D food printing will require feed streams that are both optimised for producing quality printed foods and formulated to set or restructure after printing to create good bite and texture.

The Project will characterise the critical variables for stabilising the texture, colour and flavour of products such as animal proteins and fruit and vegetable powders or purees for use as shelf-stable solutions to feed 3D food printers. The research will investigate the performance of gelation and stabilisation options and test the quality of outcomes using 3D-food printers. Research will use a texture analyser, headspace GC-MS aroma measurement and electronic tongue to characterise the outcomes of formulation and processing variables required for stabilisation and successful 3D printing into consumer desirable food formats. Graduates from this research will be skilled in the creation of new food products for a career in advanced food product development.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Prof Roger Stanley

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Relevant degree in food science, food processing/engineering, or food chemistry
  • Evidence of research capability from publications

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Experience in advanced analytical instrumentation
  • Aptitude for computing applications of relevance to 3D printing
  • Strength in advanced statistical data analysis
  • Understanding of sensory or consumer assessment
  • Currently domiciled in Australia
  • Australian residency or citizenship

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Prof Roger Stanley to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 February 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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