Polly Burey

Prof. Polly Burey is a Professor in Food Science at the University of Southern Queensland, affiliated with the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science and the Centre for Future Materials within the Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences. She leads the BSc Food Science major and the Sustainable Industry Design research theme, overseeing a research portfolio exceeding $13M.

Education:

• BEng, University of Auckland (2001)
• PhD, University of Queensland (2005)
• Graduate Certificate in Education, University of Queensland (2007)

Her research focuses on the intersection of food science, materials engineering, and sustainability, particularly in formulation, microstructure, processing, and rheological behavior of food materials. She pioneers work in circular economy, waste valorization, sustainable manufacturing, and functional food design. Her expertise spans food technology, bioplastics, rheology, and sustainable composites.

Her recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a strong trend toward interdisciplinary sustainability, combining food science with materials engineering, environmental science, and biomedical applications. Key themes include waste-to-resource conversion, low-carbon materials, hydrogels for wound care, and sustainable energy systems.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy
• Professional Member, Engineers Australia
• Member, Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Member, Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology
• Member, Project Management Institute
• Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Member, Waste Management Resource Recovery Association of Australia

Polly Burey actively supervises multiple PhD and Master’s students across diverse projects in food science, sustainable materials, and waste utilization. She has secured significant grants, including the $3.35M SIMPLE Hub (RRC) and $2M NO WASTE (SURF) programs, both co-directed by her. She leads the Fight Food Waste CRC project on Queen Garnet plums and contributes to Indigenous food innovation initiatives.

She leads a multidisciplinary research team within the Centre for Future Materials, collaborating with industry, government, and international partners on sustainable industry design, circular economy systems, and advanced manufacturing. Her lab focuses on transforming waste into high-value materials across food, construction, and medical sectors.