Bronwyn Laycock

Professor Bronwyn Laycock is a faculty member at the University of Queensland's School of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology. Her research focuses on biodegradable polymers, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and their applications in environmental sustainability, circular economy initiatives, and agricultural technologies. She holds a strong record of commercialization, including co-inventing CSIRO's extended wear contact lens technology and developing oxodegradable polyethylene licensed by Integrated Packaging.

• Education: BSc and PhD from The University of Queensland, Postgraduate Diploma and Master's from the University of Melbourne.
• Research Interests: PHA synthesis, biocomposites, controlled release formulations, polymer lifetime estimation, methane emissions reduction, and sustainable materials.

Her work spans 162+ publications, including studies on biodegradation mechanisms, polymer applications, and environmental impact assessments. Recent projects include evaluating biodegradable fertiliser coatings, marine plastic degradation, and methane mitigation in cattle.

• Awards: CSIRO Medal (2009), CRC Joint Chairman’s Award, and Excellence in Innovation Award.
• Grants: ARC Discovery Projects, Fight Food Waste CRC, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Queensland Government initiatives.

Laycock supervises PhD/Master’s students on topics like PHA composites, biodegradation lifetimes, and toxin release mechanisms. She collaborates with institutions like CSIRO, Dow Chemical, and international partners on sustainable materials.