Colorado State University to Host Netherlands Researchers at Algae Symposium Today

Colorado State University will host a group of researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands to discuss worldwide research and current innovations in algae-to-biofuel research at the Algae Symposium today.

Microalgae are considered one of the most promising feedstock for biofuels. Although microalgae are not yet produced at large scale for bulk application, recent advances – particularly in the systems of biology, genetic engineering, and biorefining – present opportunities to develop this process in a sustainable and economical way within the next 10-15 years.

Rene H. Wijffels and Maria J. Barbosa of Wageningen University will present “An Outlook on Microalgal Biofuels” from noon-1 p.m. today in Room 228 of the Lory Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Wijffels is head of the bioprocesses department at Wageningen University where he obtained his master’s and doctoral degrees in bioprocess engineering.

Barbosa holds a doctoral degree from Wageningen University and is facilitator and advisor of the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition, an organization that strives to make Spirulina, an edible microalgae that is a key factor toward eliminating malnutrition.

The symposium will also include a poster session and a series of short presentations featuring several other researchers from Wageningen University. Presentations include: post-treatment of municipal wastewater, increased production of pigments in microalgae, harvesting of microalgae and response of algae to fluctuating light.

The event is sponsored by the Colorado State University Office of International Programs and Sustainable Bioenergy Development Center.

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