Queensland expatriate Professor Douglas Rutledge will spend three months starting in June at Central Queensland University working with the Plant Sciences Group in Rockhampton.

CQU's School of Biological and Environmental Science Associate Professor Kerry Walsh secured the placement through Queensland's Smart Returns Fellowships Scheme which is funded by the State Government.

The Scheme funds successful expatriates return to Queensland on a working stay, helping to both establish links with overseas institutions and to 'fertilise' local communities.

Professor Rutledge works as a professor in a Paris-based university and manages several large EU grants. He works in the area of food chemistry.

On his arrival at CQU, Professor Rutledge will work on food quality issues with the Plant Sciences Group - Non Invasive Assessment Unit.

"We hope to arrange for him to present at schools in the region, helping to excite interest in science and university study," Assoc Professor Walsh said.

Professor Rutledge received his undergraduate qualifications through the University of Sydney, here in Australia, back in 1974, and continued his postgraduate education overseas. He graduated with both Masters and PhD qualifications through the University of Paris.

For further information contact Associate Professor Kerry Walsh on 4930 9707.