Grainnet

10 Research Teams at University of Minnesota Receive $2.7 Million for Biofuels Research

Minneapolis, MN--The University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment has awarded $2.7 million in grants to 10 research teams.

The grants will be administered over the next two fiscal years and will help further the U of M's research into alternative biofuels.

The Discovery Grants will assist U of M researchers in the further development of next generation biofuels that are economically feasible and environmentally sound.

Priority in funding was given to projects that propose breakthrough approaches to address major bottlenecks for development of new biofuels.

"The Discovery Grants program on environment and renewable energy allows the university to respond quickly and flexibly to the emerging research needs around biofuels," said Deb Swackhamer, Institute on the Environment interim director.

"By investing in 10 talented and creative interdisciplinary teams across the U right now, we are getting an excellent jumpstart on key biofuels research questions, technologies and solutions, and positioning the university to better compete for Federal grant opportunities on the horizon."

The collaborative projects involve a total of 30 faculty from 12 departments within the College of Biological Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Institute of Technology and the Medical School.

The diverse group of research projects includes:

• Inefficiency of biomass conversion.

• Using bacteria to store energy, produce biofuel and convert light-energy.

• Creating a Minnesota Biofuels Database and a metagenomic library of biomass-converting enzymes.

For a full listing of projects and researchers, go to:

www1.umn.edu/urelate/newsservice/downloads/DG%20FY08%20Awards.xls

The Discovery Grants effort is possible through the cooperation of the Institute on the Environment, the College of Biological Sciences, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment.

For more information, call Todd Reubold at 612-624-6140, or Justin Ware at 612-626-1720.