The feasibility of developing a bio-hub in Tasmania from forestry and timber residues

About the research project

Tasmania's forestry and timber industries generate significant volumes of residues and by-products that are often underutilised despite their potential to support new industries, renewable energy production such as biofuels, and the circular bioeconomy. This project investigates whether a bio-hub based on forestry and timber residues could be developed in Tasmania as a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable industry.

The project also investigates the role, activities and potential circular economy benefits created by a Tasmania based bio-hub that may for example, become an integrated facility that converts forestry and timber biomass into higher-value products such as biochar, engineered biomaterials, renewable energy, biofuels, biochemicals, and carbon products. While bio-hubs are emerging internationally as a means to increase resource efficiency and support regional economic development, their feasibility in Tasmania has not yet been comprehensively assessed from a complete supply chain perspective.

The research will evaluate the technical, economic, and logistical requirements for establishing a forestry-based bio-hub in Tasmania. Key areas of investigation may cover:

• Quantifying the current and future supply of forestry and timber residues across Tasmania. 
• Determining whether the available supply is economically sufficient or whether waste from other industries would also be required.
• Identifying and evaluating value-adding processing pathways and technologies suitable for conversion into other finished or new products.
• Assessing transport, storage, and logistics requirements associated with collecting and processing biomass at scale, and the subsequent delivery to buyers or end customers.
• Investigating market demand for bio-based products derived from forestry and wood residues.
• Examining economic viability, investment requirements, and potential business models for bio-hub development.
• Considering environmental, social, and regional development impacts, including contributions to decarbonisation and the circular economy.

The project will involve engagement with forestry-related companies, timber processors, industry associations, government agencies, regional development organisations, and potential end-users of bio-based products. The successful PhD candidate will have the opportunity to work at the interface of sustainable resource management, industrial ecology, supply chain analysis, and regional economic development.

This research is expected to provide evidence-based recommendations on questions related to the feasibility, scale, location, and operating model of a Tasmanian forestry bio-hub. The findings will contribute to Tasmania’s transition towards a more diversified, low-carbon, and value-added bioeconomy while creating potential opportunities for regional employment, innovation, and investment.

The project is suited to candidates with backgrounds in logistics and supply chain management, business, forestry, sustainability, and an interest in applied research that supports industry and regional development outcomes.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Peggy Chen

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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 meet the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
• The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis on the Newnham campus of the University of Tasmania in Launceston

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:

• A Bachelor’s degree with Honours, Master’s degree by Research, or equivalent qualification in logistics and supply chain management, transport, business, sustainability, regional development or forestry/timber management, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking and academic writing skills.
• Experience in data collection techniques such as surveys, interviews and case studies.
• High-level communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with forestry-related companies, timber processors, transport and logistics businesses, industry associations, government agencies, regional development organisations, and potential end-users of bio-based products.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Industry experience in forestry operations, timber processing, forest products, or bio-energysystems
• Knowledge or experience in circular economy principles, supply chain management, recycling, bio-hub concepts
• Knowledge of freight transport systems, logistics, regional economic development, or the development of feasibility studies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative/qualitative research skills.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Peggy Chen 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 October 2026.

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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