The Bioeconomy Institute provides cohesion among the diverse efforts in biorenewable resources on campus and encourages collaboration within departments, colleges and research units.

Photo: Jim Heemstra

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Bioeconomy Institute News

BCRF to Host Algal Facility Tour

The BioCentury Research Farm will host an open house to showcase its new Algal Production Facility on Thursday, May 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. This is Iowa State University’s first pilot-scale facility equipped to grow large amounts of algae biomass. The BioCentury Research Farm is located at 1327 U Avenue, Boone, Iowa. Read more about the open house

BEI to Hold 2nd Annual Hybrid Processing Symposium

Iowa State University’s Hybrid Processing group of Zhiyou Wen, Laura Jarboe, and Zhanyou Chi are hosting the 2nd Annual Hybrid Processing for Biorenewable Fuels & Chemicals Production Symposium at Reiman Gardens, May 15-16, 2013 in Ames, IA. Read overview | Visit symposium Web site

Biorenewables Art Winners Announced

Winners of a fourth annual juried competition for art that represents the mission of the Bioeconomy Institute (BEI) at Iowa State University were announced on Earth Day, Apr. 22. The “Best in Show” award went to Naomi Friend for Old Land, New Purpose, which incorporates cyanotype, van dyke, and watercolor.  Friend wins $750 and her piece becomes part of the permanent BEI art collection. Read article

BEI Experts Author Report on Commercial Cellulosic Biofuels

BEI’s Tristan R. Brown and Robert C. Brown have written a 5-page summary of commercial-scale cellulosic biofuels projects expected to be complete by 2014. The report was published by Biofuels Digest. “The success or failure of these cellulosic biofuels facilities will determine the direction of the advanced biofuels industry and influence future U.S. energy policy,” the Browns note. Read article in Biuofuels Digest  | Read report

CSET Research Featured in Green Chemistry Journal

Kaige Wang, a researcher with the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies (CSET), and Robert C. Brown, CSET and BEI director, are featured with a inside-front cover story in Green Chemistry’s March 2013 issue. The article discusses new technology that may move microalgae biorefineries one step closer to economic and environmental feasibility. Read overview | Read article in Green Chemistry

Students Win Awards for Sustainability Projects

Students affiliated with the Bioeconomy Institute (BEI) garnered two Live Green Awards for Excellence in Sustainability at the Symposium for Sustainability held in February at Iowa State University. Read article

New ISU President to Make Iowa Bioeconomy Leader

Iowa State University President Steven Leath said he plans to make Iowa a leader in the bioeconomy. He made the remarks during his installation as Iowa State’s 15th president on Sept. 14, 2012. Read more of Leath’s remarks about the bioeconomy

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