We apply advanced engineering to agriculture and food production to boost efficiency and sustainability. Our researchers leverage sensors, robotics and data analytics in precision farming to grow more with less, develop alternative proteins and innovative food processing techniques for more sustainable diets, and improve food supply chains through better management and technology to reduce waste. These efforts strengthen global food security and promote a resilient agriculture sector in the face of climate change.
Our research spans three subthemes across multidisciplinary research
Our research theme aims to revolutionise farming by integrating advanced engineering and digital technologies to enable site-specific crop and livestock management. By using sensors, robotics, and data analytics, the research enhances productivity, reduces environmental impact, and supports sustainable agriculture. This aligns with our broader strategy of interdisciplinary innovation, sustainability, and real-world impact, particularly in addressing global food security and climate resilience.
Researchers are developing intelligent systems such as unpiloted aerial and ground vehicles for monitoring crops and livestock, AI-driven tools for decision-making, and robotic platforms like the “Digital Farmhand” for smallholder farmers. These technologies enable real-time, data-informed management of water, fertilisers, and pest control, tailored to specific field conditions. Collaborations with global growers, industry, and government ensure that innovations are scalable, affordable, and ready for commercial deployment.
This research aims to improve precision farming methods with a focus on sustainable agriculture, by integrating robotics, sensors, and data analytics into real-time crop and soil monitoring, which enhances resource efficiency and crop yields, and helps farmers reduce water and fertiliser use, leading to healthier food production, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact for communities and ecosystems.br>
Professor Yuan Chen, Professor Salah Sukkarieh, Dr Stewart Worrall
Agerris, Bosch Australia, John Deere, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
The aim of our research is to revolutionise food production by developing sustainable, scalable, and health-enhancing technologies. This includes creating food products with improved nutritional profiles, appealing textures and flavours, and reduced environmental impact. The research aligns with our broader strategy of advancing sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness in engineering by addressing critical challenges such as food security, waste reduction, and climate resilience.
We are pioneering new processing methodologies, including fermentation, membrane technology, and 3D printing, to enhance the digestibility and functionality of plant-based proteins from sources like legumes, mushrooms, algae, and seaweed. Projects also focus on smart packaging, cold plasma sanitisation, and miniaturised sensors to improve food safety and reduce waste. We collaborate with industry and government to develop technologies like precision fermentation and vertical farming, supporting a circular economy and healthier food systems.
This research aims to improve sustainable food production and engineering with a focus on alternative proteins, packaging innovation, and low-impact processing, by developing advanced technologies such as electroconductive polymers, renewable ammonia synthesis, and smart food systems, which enhance nutritional quality, reduce waste, and lower carbon emissions, and support everyday needs like healthier diets, zero-carbon fertilisers for farmers, and longer-lasting packaged foods.
Professor PJ Cullen, Professor Fariba Dehghani, Dr Fengwang Li, Dr Sepehr Talebian
The University of Auckland
This research theme aims to transform food production and distribution by enhancing sustainability, nutritional value, and efficiency across the entire supply chain. By integrating chemical and biomolecular engineering with advanced logistics and project management, the research supports smarter, healthier living and strengthens Australia’s agricultural sector. This aligns with our broader strategy of interdisciplinary innovation, sustainability, and real-world impact, addressing global challenges such as food security, waste reduction, and climate resilience.
We are developing advanced food processing technologies, such as membrane filtration, spray drying, and 3D printing, to improve food quality and reduce waste. Projects include smart packaging with printable sensors to detect spoilage, nutrient recovery from underutilised plant sources, and digestibility enhancement of plant-based proteins. Circular economy approaches, like converting aquaculture wastewater into valuable compounds and producing fish-free omega-3s, further support sustainable nutrition and resilient food systems.
This research aims to improve food supply chain efficiency and sustainability with a focus on reducing waste and environmental impact, by integrating advanced chemical engineering techniques with smart logistics and packaging innovations, which enhances food quality and safety and helps ensure that fresher, healthier food reaches consumers more reliably, reducing spoilage, cutting emissions, and supporting a more resilient food system for everyday Australians.
Professor PJ Cullen, Professor Fariba Dehghani,
