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Biofuels, Science and Society

Current Projects

Current biofuels, science and society research projects in Durham include:

  • BioAlgaeSorb (EU FP 7, 2011-2013) will look at waste stream remediation by microalgae and the processing of the biomass into useful chemicals and fuels. Dr Chris Greenwell's group is involved in the conversion of the biomass.
  • Mineral catalysed deoxygenation reactions of biomass (KiOR Inc, 2008-2011) is looking at the use of oxide catalysts to convert biooils through to fuel products (Dr Greenwell).
  • Biofuels, Science & Society summer internship is investigating attitudes to GM in the biofuels area (Dr Greenwell, Prof Lindsey).
  • Biofuels as socio-technical systems (2010-2013). A Durham Energy Institute PhD studentship to investigate how and why some biofuels fail as technologies while others succeed.
  • Crop improvement for better yields. Prof Keith Lindsey (Biology) and Prof Toni Slabas both work on synthetic biology methods for improving oil yields, and changing carbohydrate structure for improved energy crops.
  • Microalgae biofuels (2010-2015, BBSRC Link Project). Prof Toni Slabas is modifying photosynthetic microorganisms to yield improved oil for biofuels.
    Biogas from wastes and fuel crops. Prof Mike Theodorou is an expert in anaerobic digestion technologies and is co-funded by Durham University and the Centre for Process Innovation.
  • Sustaining the macroalgae supply chain (2010-2012). This project is looking at methods for sustaining supplies of macroalgae for bioenergy and bioproducts (Dr Greenwell, Prof Theodorou).
  • Microalgae as biomass source for fuels, chemicals and remediation (2011-2014). A PhD studentship starting in 2011 (Dr Greenwell, Prof Theodorou, Dr Dyer).