Accolades for 73 years of sugar innovation

Two QUT researchers have received industry accolades for their commitment to innovating Australia’s sugar industry. The pair from QUT’s Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities has dedicated a combined 73 years to improving the industry.

The annual Sugar Research and Development Corporation’s (SRDC) Innovation Awards recognise the industry’s research leaders.

At last night’s ceremony in Townsville, Professor Ross Broadfoot won the Industry Service Award for his 42 years of research into better ways of producing sugar crystals from cane juice. Since 1971 the sugar research veteran has helped every sugar mill in NSW and Queensland build more efficient factory processes and overcome technical difficulties.

“It’s a great industry full of great people and I’m happy to be able to make a contribution,” he said, acknowledging support from colleagues and milling staff.

“My work is largely around helping mills make more sugar from the same amount of juice, produce higher-quality sugar crystals, develop cheaper production methods and design energy-efficient processes.

“I have spent much of my time designing new equipment and I enjoy the hands-on work.

“It’s very rewarding for me to see the greater efficiencies and better returns that the team at QUT help the sugar factories achieve.”

Early in his career, Professor Broadfoot developed the continuous crystallisation vessel, which improved the final stage of the process of turning cane juice into sugar crystals. That innovation has been adopted broadly by mills across Australia and overseas.

Neil McKenzie received the SRDC Research Technician Award for his 31 years supporting the industry. The Research Fellow has been instrumental in more than 10 SDRC-funded projects.

“My instrument trade background has allowed me to work in projects across the spectrum - from harvesting right through to sugar production and even steam generation and by-products,” McKenzie said.

“I believe effective research is achieved by a team with a solid work ethic and a collaborative culture.

“I am fortunate to work in such a team at QUT and, more broadly, the milling industry.”

McKenzie also oversees the manufacture, development and servicing of instruments designed specifically for the industry. These include the Can Fibre Machine, which measures fibre content in prepared cane samples, and the Chute Height Sensor, which measures the height of material in the chute and is used for controlling the flow of cane and bagasse through the crushing mill.