The session explores how seemingly benign food components in chocolate can transiently mimic drug signals in advanced biosensor systems, creating false positives that must be carefully distinguished from genuine illicit exposure.

Building on this, it introduces students to the chemical engineering principles that underpin reliable detection, including molecular binding behavior, spectral signatures, and sensor response kinetics, while showing how these ideas translate into real industrial challenges in safety‑critical environments where chemical engineering plays a vital role.

Set within a broader focus on workforce readiness, the session connects these technical foundations to evolving career pathways in biosensing, process engineering, and industrial safety. It situates these applications alongside themes of sustainable processing, energy stewardship, and resource optimisation, reflecting the realities of modern industry and the discussions shaping future practice.

Students are encouraged to think beyond the immediate example, developing the essential skills, tools, and interdisciplinary perspective required for leadership in circular innovation, where careful data interpretation, systems thinking, and ethical decision making underpin both technical excellence and responsible engineering outcomes.

Date: Tuesday 4 August

Time: 12:30–13:30 AEST, 10:30–11:30 AWST/MYT, 14:30–15:30 NZST.

This session focuses on the circular economy and the role of groundbreaking research in driving sustainable change. The session features keynotes on the principles, practices, and innovations shaping a circular tomorrow, along with panels that highlight new research transforming product life cycles and sustainability practices.

Through real-world case studies and discussions that bridge research and industry, this day showcases how circular solutions are being designed, tested, and implemented across sectors.

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 13:30–14:30 AEST, 11:30–12:30 AWST/MYT, 15:30–16:30 NZST.

This session explores major advancements in plastic breakdown and carbon capture, two critical areas shaping the future of sustainable industry. The session features keynotes on breakthrough technologies in plastic degradation, panels examining the evolution of carbon capture and storage from research to large-scale application, and discussions on how these emerging solutions can be integrated into industrial operations.

This day highlights the innovations pushing us closer to significant reductions in waste and emissions.

Date: Tuesday 4 August 
Time: 14:30–15:00 AEST, 12:30–13:00 AWST/MYT, 16:30–17:00 NZST.

This session examines sustainability and the growing importance of critical minerals in supporting a low-carbon future. The session includes keynotes on sustainable resource management and mining practices, exploring the essential role critical minerals play in global decarbonisation efforts, and discussion focused on balancing resource demand with environmental, social, and economic responsibility. This session provides a clear look at the challenges and opportunities in securing the materials needed for a cleaner energy transition.

Date: Tuesday 4 August 
Time: 15:00–16:00 AEST, 13:00–14:00 AWST/MYT, 17:00–18:00 NZST.