Professor Ian O’Hara is building innovation into the bioeconomy, pushing new boundaries in sustainable aviation fuels and biomanufacturing for regional economic development. 

As Queensland’s Biofutures Industry Envoy, he has facilitated international partnerships, attracted significant investment and informed policy frameworks, including the Queensland Government Biofutures Roadmap. As Deputy Dean of Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology, O’Hara champions the industrial translation of research, with a strong focus on sustainability. He established the Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant, Australia’s premier open-access R&D facility for advancing industrial biomanufacturing and precision fermentation scale-up.

A recipient of the Engineers Australia 2024 Chemical Engineer Achievement Award for his impact in progressing biofuels and biotechnology, O’Hara continues to shape global bioeconomy progress as a member of strategic international forums.

Professor Ian O’Hara is a globally recognised leader in the bioeconomy, driving advancements in areas including sustainable aviation fuels and biomanufacturing for regional economic development. His expertise and advocacy for aligning research, industry and government efforts has led to the industrial translation of bio-based innovations and impactful policy advocacy at state and national levels. As Queensland’s Biofutures Industry Envoy, he has facilitated international partnerships, attracted significant investment and shaped policy frameworks, including the Queensland Government Biofutures Roadmap. As Deputy Dean of Engineering at QUT, Ian champions the industrial translation of research and innovation through scale-up engineering and delivered impactful translational engineering research infrastructure (Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant). His contributions have directly impacted regional economic development, workforce skills advancement, and supply chain decarbonisation. A recipient of the Engineers Australia 2024 Chemical Engineer Achievement Award, Ian continues to shape global bioeconomy progress as a member of strategic international bioeconomy forums.