NCRIS to strengthen research on second-generation biofuels

In Australia, researchers engaged in research and development of second-generation biofuels are now able to tap into world-class facilities and technical expertise available at five integrated public-sector research organizations. Funded under the government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), with supporting funding from state government partners in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, research infrastructure has been developed and scientific staff appointed at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Macquarie University, Sydney University, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI). Referred to as the NCRIS Biofuels Project, the A$15 million (US$12.22 million) investment has provided the platform required for Australia to become an active contributor in the global push to develop renewable transport fuels from lignocellulosic and microalgae biomass. The key objectives of this investment are to enhance collaboration between academia and industry, reduce the cost and IP barriers facing researchers seeking to progress their research towards commercialization, and to minimize the duplication of research infrastructure. (June 4, 2010)