by Susan Glairon (University of Colorado Boulder) The University of Colorado Boulder’s Weimer Lab has introduced an efficient and economical method to
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Back TO HOMEDepartment of Energy and the National Science Foundation Select Three Projects to Accelerate Biomanufacturing Innovation and Advance the U.S. Bioeconomy
(U.S. Department of Energy) Biotechnology and biomanufacturing continue to offer vast opportunities to advance science and engineering, support a growing U.S.
August 29, 2023 Read Full Article
University of Illinois Study: Turning Food Waste into Bioenergy Can Become a Profitable Industry
(Newswise) Food waste is a major problem around the world. In the United States, an estimated 30 to 40% of edible food
July 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Improving Rigor and Reproducibility Can Accelerate Catalytic Research
by Cody Wrasman, Jacklyn Hall, and Josh Schaidle (ChemCatBio) Achieving the Chemical Catalysis for Bioenergy Consortium's (ChemCatBio's) mission of accelerating catalyst and
June 14, 2023 Read Full Article
White House Wants to Hear from You about Its "New Bold Goals and Priorities to Advance American Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing"
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) “You can do good and do well,” concluded Jim Lane, editor and publisher of the
March 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Administration to Unveil “Bold Goals” for Biotechnology, Biomanufacturing --- March 22, 2023 --- Washington, DC and ONLINE

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Biden Administration unveiled bold new goals for biotechnology and biomanufacturing, plus a new
March 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Program Solicitation from National Science Foundation: Accelerating Research Translation (ART) Program DEADLINE May 9, 2023
(National Science Foundation) PROGRAM SOLICITATION NSF 23-558 The Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program is an NSF-wide endeavor that welcomes proposals from
February 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Funding Opportunity Announced through Collaboration Between NSF and DOE DEADLINE April 18, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the
January 19, 2023 Read Full Article
Chemists Create an 'Artificial Photosynthesis' System that Is 10 Times More Efficient than Existing Systems
by Louise Lerner (University of Chicago News) UChicago breakthrough creates methane fuel from sun, carbon dioxide and water -- For
November 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuel Research: Full Decarbonization of U.S. Aviation Sector Is within Grasp
(SciTechDaily/Arizona State University) The study found that planting the grass miscanthus on 23.2 million hectares of existing marginal agricultural lands
November 15, 2022 Read Full Article
EERE Teams with the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security on the Civic Innovation Challenge 2022
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has teamed with the
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
UD and LSU Collaborate to Advance Manufacturing Technologies that Employ Carbon Dioxide and Renewable Energy
by Karen B. Roberts (University of Delaware) ... One hurdle that keeps promising CO2 electrolyzer technologies in academic laboratories rather than
January 20, 2022 Read Full Article
$2.5M for Food-Chain Microbiome Research Could Impact Agriculture, Biofuel Systems
by Marc Arakaki (University of Hawai'i News) World-renowned microbiome research at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa received a major boost by the National Science
January 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Local Startup SIEV Technologies Earns $256,000 Small Business Award
(University of Arkansas) SIEV Technologies, a catalytic membrane reactor design company started by University of Arkansas researchers, has been awarded a
December 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Microbes’ Sense of Community, Cooperation Could Improve Biofuels
by Elizabeth K. Gardner (Purdue University/Fence Post) Microorganisms can be neighborly — when breaking down complex plant fibers they divide
November 19, 2021 Read Full Article
LSU, Delaware to Develop Chemical Manufacturing Processes Using CO2 Feedstocks and Renewable Energy
(LSU College of Engineering/Globe Newswire/Associated Press) Each day, many of the products we use, whether we know it or not, are
October 07, 2021 Read Full Article
Mitigating Carbon May Have Unintended Consequences
(EurekAlert!/Pennsylvania State University) Controlling carbon release into the atmosphere will reduce carbon dioxide and slow global warming, but could there be
October 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act Passed as Part of National Defense Authorization Act
(Bergeson & Campbell) On December 28, 2020, the House overrode President Trump’s veto and passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
January 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Researchers Aim to 'Upcycle' Nutrient Waste on Farms Using Duckweed
by Tim Schley (Penn State News) New approach to nutrient management could make money for farmers and land managers; Best
December 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Transition Book: Priorities for Administrative Action on Carbon Removal in 2021+
(Carbon 180) We partner with policymakers, scientists, and businesses around the globe to develop policy, promote research, and advance solutions
November 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Exploring the Sustainability of the Indian Sugar Industry
(Standford University/EurekAlert!) Generations of political support for sugar cultivation have helped India become the second-largest producer of sugar worldwide. Now, the
August 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Resources for R&D, Pre-Commercial/Demo, Commercial Phases: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Federal Programs Supporting the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the DigestConnect webinar last week, check out the slide guides from Bill
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Competitive Edge: HelioBioSys, Inc.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We formed HelioBioSys to reduce the carbon footprint of fuels and other biomaterials. We initially targeted
May 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Featured Project: Purdue University Elevated Solar Panels
(Indiana Agriculture Coalition for Renewable Energy) Our first featured renewable energy project is a joint project between PU Chemical Enginering
April 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Getting Money to Survive and Thrive – Federal Programs and Resources Available to Support the Bioeconomy
by Bill Hagy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) A series of PowerPoint Presentations outlining key Federal Financial Programs and Assistance that
April 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Coral-Inspired Biomaterials Could Lead to Highly Efficient Biofuel Production
(University of San Diego Scripps Institute of Oceanography) Biologists and engineers design 3D printed corals that could help energy production
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Pre-Commercial Programs Supporting Biofuels, Biopower, Biochem: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Federal Programs Supporting Demonstration of Concept
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last week we shared the latest federal programs in the R&D space and this week
March 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Researchers Building Stronger, Greener Concrete with Biofuel Byproducts
(Kansas State University) Kansas State University civil engineers are developing the right mix to reduce concrete's carbon footprint and make it
March 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Budget Slashes Environmental, Clean Energy Funding
(Our Daily Planet) Yesterday, President Trump released his FY2021 budget, and the proposed cuts to federal agencies and research programs were
February 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Green Energy Researcher at U of L Wins Grant
by Matthew Keck (Louisville Cardinal) Joshua Spurgeon, a University of Louisville renewable energy researcher, won the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER
February 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Genetic Modification of Poplar Trees Saves Air Quality
(National Science Foundation) Some trees, such as poplars, emit gases that worsen air pollution and alter climate. Poplar trees are
January 17, 2020 Read Full Article
National Science Foundation Continues Its Support of Morgan State University STEM Research With Nearly $500K Grant Award
(Morgan State University) Funding Will Enhance Biofuel Production in Cyanobacteria Using Nanoparticles, While Preparing the Next Generation of Minority Biotechnologists
October 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Promising New Solar-Powered Path to Hydrogen Fuel Production
(Lehigh News) A team at Lehigh is the first to use a single enzyme biomineralization process to create a solar-driven
August 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Tulane Researcher Working to Turn Waste to Fuel Wins NSF Career Award
by Barri Bronston (Tulane University) Nicholas Sandoval's lab at Tulane works on the development and application of advanced synthetic biology
August 14, 2019 Read Full Article
All About Algae: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to ABO
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae Biomass Organization advocates for algae-advancing policy and funding, serves as a hub for innovation and
July 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Senator Amy Klobuchar Releases Plan of More Than 100 Actions for Her First 100 Days as President
by @AmyForAmerica (Medium.com) U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released a plan outlining the more than 100 concrete steps she will take in
June 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Diesel Engines CAN Be Friends with Ethanol!: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to ClearFlame Engines
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ClearFlame Engines spoke at a recent Biofuels Digest webinar about diesel fueled engines and how they can
June 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Six MSU Researchers Receive Prestigious NSF Early Career Awards
(Michigan State University) ... Daniel Ducat, assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, received $1,033,970 from NSF’s Division of
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Federal Agencies Release Framework for Advancing the Bioeconomy
(US Department of Agriculture) The federal Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Board today unveiled a multi-agency strategy to accelerate innovative technologies
March 05, 2019 Read Full Article
New 'Architecture' Discovered in Corn: Scientists' Findings May Improve Biofuel Production
(Louisiana State University/Science Daily) New research on the United States' most economically important agricultural plant -- corn -- has revealed a
January 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) DEADLINES: May 24, 2019 (4th Friday in May) and August 28, 2019 (4th Wednesday in August)
(National Science Foundation) The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the
December 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Grants Fund Research on Biofuel Production, Reduced Fertilizer Use
(University of Arkansas News) A University of Arkansas biologist working on research that could decrease the need for agricultural fertilizers and
December 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Broad Genome Analysis Shows Yeasts Evolving by Subtraction
by Chris Barncard (University of Wisconsin--Madison) An unprecedented comparison of hundreds of species of yeasts has helped geneticists brew up an
November 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Federal Investments in Algae Cultivation Technologies Paying Big Dividends
by Matt Carr (Algae Biomass Organization/Biofuels Digest) Algae-derived products and technologies are on the cusp of changing nearly everything. Algae will transform
November 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Shell-backed Startup Creates Fuel from Carbon Dioxide and Fake Sunlight
by Cole Latimer (Sydney Morning Herald) startup company backed by energy giant Shell has developed a method to turn carbon dioxide into
September 18, 2018 Read Full Article
U of A Biologist Receives Grant to Improve Biofuel Production
(University of Arkansas) A University of Arkansas biologist is developing methods that could make the production of biofuel — ethanol and
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
ODU Algae Research Aims to Fuel Bioeconomy
by Sarah Huddle (Old Dominion University) ... Cutting-edge research in the Batten College of Engineering and Technology at Old Dominion University is
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Creative Debt and Equity: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Structures for Bioeconomy Project Finance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan
July 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Integrating Biology and Chemistry: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the Center for Biorenewable Chemicals
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) CBiRC was founded in 2008 with funding from NSF, creating an Engineering Research Center focused on
May 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Research Is Making Plant Waste a Viable Option in Ethanol Production
by J.D. Warren (UCR Today) Relatively cheap "biomass" has been a poor option due to its production cost -- UC Riverside researchers
November 15, 2017 Read Full Article
University of Wyoming Scientists Part of $6 Million Biofuel, Carbon Capture Project
(University of Wyoming) Agricultural economists at the University of Wyoming will generate models of what economies in the Upper Missouri River
October 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Corn Better Used as Food than Biofuel, Study Finds
(Phys.Org/University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Corn is grown not only for food, it is also an important renewable energy source.
June 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Helping Trump Help Bioenergy
by Douglas L. Faulkner (Cleantech Conservative/Biofuels Digest) ... The Trump Administration’s two recent Executive Orders on “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic
May 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Grant Funds Test of Market Potential for Jet Fuel Research
(Washington State University/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at Washington State University Tri-Cities have been awarded a National Science Foundation I-Corps grant to
December 02, 2016 Read Full Article
MSU Awarded Grant to Research Biofuel, Carbon Capture Technologies for Upper Missouri River Basin
by Evelyn Boswell (Montana State University) A regional interdisciplinary team led by Montana State University has received $6 million to
November 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Stanford Faculty Share in $24 Million National Science Foundation Grant
by Taylor Kubota (Stanford News) Two Stanford faculty are part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers who will share a $24
October 12, 2016 Read Full Article
White House Releases “Federal Alternative Jet Fuel Research and Development Strategy”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, a new White House report, titled “Federal Alternative Jet Fuel Research and Development
August 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Missing a Turn on the Road to a Billion Tons
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (re:chem/Biofuels Digest) A Billion Ton Bioeconomy. For those of us who have worked in this
June 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Research Examines Obstacles to Making Biofuel from Perennial Plants
(University of Arkansas) A University of Arkansas chemistry professor has received a $400,000 award from the National Science Foundation to
June 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Lincoln Park Professor Nets $450K Grant for Biofuel Research
by William Westhoven (Parsippany, NJ Daily Record) A Lincoln Park educator has been awarded a $450,000 grant to help fund continued
March 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Fuel of the Future
by Karen B. Roberts (University of Delaware) UD scientist's research shows promise in creating sustainable algae-based biofuels -- At the University
February 24, 2016 Read Full Article
NASA Should Be the Key to the Crucial Development of Large Scale Bio-Jetfuel and Rocket Fuel End-to-End Production
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In looking at a way to jump-start this country’s bogged down production of
February 08, 2016 Read Full Article
CRISPR-Cas9 Tool Expedites Production of Biofuel Precursors and Specialty Polymers in Living Systems
by Sarah Nightingale (Phys.Org) A team led by a researcher at the University of California, Riverside has adapted the CRISPR-Cas9 gene
January 27, 2016 Read Full Article
University of Delaware Researchers Develop Algae Biofuels
by Karen B. Roberts (University of Delaware/Biomass Magazine) ... At the University of Delaware, associate scientist Jennifer Stewart is working to create
December 28, 2015 Read Full Article
UMass Amherst Chemist Receives NSF Grant to Enhance ‘Grass to Gas’ Biofuel Technology
(University of Massachusetts Amherst) University of Massachusetts Amherst computational chemist Scott Auerbach has been awarded a three-year, $330,000 grant from
December 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Discovery Advances Biowaste-to-Jet Fuel Research
by Maegan Murray (WSU Tri-Cities/Washington State University) Researchers at Washington State University Tri-Cities have figured out a way to successfully
December 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Researchers Receive NSF Grant to Study Drought Stress in Plants
(HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology) Jeremy Schmutz, faculty investigator at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, has received a grant from the
October 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Researchers Receive $15 Million for Biofuel Crop Study
(UT News) A researcher at The University of Texas at Austin will receive two grants totaling $15 million to study
October 21, 2015 Read Full Article
NSF Awards Maximum Support to Iowa State-Based Center for Biorenewable Chemicals
(Iowa State University) The National Science Foundation (NSF) has added three years and $8.48 million to the grant supporting the
September 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Support Renewable Energy Research in North Dakota
(Office of Senator Heidi Heitkamp) U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $250,000 in federal funding for research at the University
September 02, 2015 Read Full Article
The DOE’s 12 Top Biobased Molecules – What Became of Them?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If they handed out Platinum and Gold certification to scientific papers as we do with
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
University of Toledo Gets Nearly $200,000 Grant for Biofuel Project
(The Toledo Blade) The University of Toledo is getting $199,997 for an algae biomass research project. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D.,
April 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Model Evaluates Where Bioenergy Crops Grow Best
(University of Illinois/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Farmers interested in bioenergy crops now have a resource to help them determine which kind
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Lifting America’s Game in Climate Education, Literacy, and Training
(The White House Office of Science and Technology) ... Continued progress into the future will depend on ensuring a climate-smart citizenry
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Sustainability Taking Shape, One French Fry at a Time
(K-State Research and Extension) Converting cooking oil into fuel – the Biodiesel Initiative at Kansas State University allows for collaboration
November 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Vitruvian Energy Crowdfunding to Make EEB, a Trashy Biofuel
By John Beltz Snyder (AutoBlogGreen) When sewage is treated at a wastewater treatment facility, biosolids are the byproduct. After being
November 24, 2014 Read Full Article
North Carolina State University Announces Biofuel Breakthroughs
(North Carolina State University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Scientists are using biotechnology to chip away at barriers to producing biofuels from woody
October 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Ethanol Production, Plagued by Yogurt Bacteria, Getting Viral Cure
by Elizabeth Summer (livescience.com/Phage Biocontrol, Inc.) The beneficial microbes that convert milk into yogurt and act in people's guts to promote
August 06, 2014 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Education Program Comes to SFSC This Fall
(South Florida State College) Beginning this fall, South Florida State College (SFSC) will offer a Bioenergy Education Program to provide
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Converting Biomass to Fuels
by Aaron Dubrow (National Science Foundation) Researchers use NSF-supported Stampede supercomputer to improve catalysts for conversion Scientists from the National Renewable Energy
July 02, 2014 Read Full Article
NSF Accepting Grant Applications under BBBE Program
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The National Science Foundation recently opened a new funding opportunity under its Biotechnology, Biochemical,
August 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Quantum Dots: a New Nanohighway to Renewable Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Using just CO2, sunlight and water – and some math right off Einsteins’ blackboard —
August 15, 2013 Read Full Article
Colorado State University Researchers Explore Creating Biofuels through Photosynthesis
(Colorado State University) An interdisciplinary team of Colorado State University researchers has received a $2 million National Science Foundation grant
July 23, 2013 Read Full Article
NSF Grant Boosts Promising Biofuels Research
(JustMeans.com/Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology) Promising biofuels research at a Wisconsin biotech company and a partner university is getting a
July 05, 2013 Read Full Article
Is Any Science Safe?
by Kenneth Prewitt (Science Magazine) Editorial: This month, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) will apply two criteria in its review of
May 03, 2013 Read Full Article
BSCS Seeks Teacher-Collaborators for Research Project Funded by the National Science Foundation DEADLINE March 31, 2013
(Biological Sciences Curriculum Study) Teacher-collaborators will field test a 3-credit, online, graduate-level course designed to enhance teachers’ knowledge and practice
March 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Auburn Researcher Receives National Science Foundation CAREER Award to Study Biofuels
by Jessica Nelson (Auburn University) Maobing Tu, an assistant professor in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, has received
March 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Biofuels Research Project Aims To Study Sustainable Development
by Nino Marchetti (EarthTechling) One of the major issues facing those growing biofuel crops are finding suitable locations where they can be
October 26, 2012 Read Full Article
National Science Foundation Grants of $947,000 Help University of New Hampshire Professor Boost Ethanol Efficiency
(University of New Hampshire News) Xiaowei Teng, assistant professor of chemical engineering at the University of New Hampshire, has received
September 30, 2012 Read Full Article
WUSTL Students Study Biofuels in Brazil
(Washington University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Through the International Experience Program at Washington University in St. Louis, undergraduate students gain real-life and
September 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Ohio Project Receives $4 Million for Algae Research
(Algae Industry Magazine) Jon Strunk reports that over the last two months, University of Toledo (UT) researchers have won $4
September 14, 2012 Read Full Article
Researchers Win Grant to Assess Impact of Bioenergy Projects
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A team of researchers will spend the next five years assessing the social, economic
September 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Engineers Pursue Flexible Electronics, Self-folding Structures and Controlled Photosynthesis on a Grand Scale
(National Science Foundation) The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced 15 Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) grants for
August 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Michigan Tech Leads International Study of Social, Environmental Impacts of Biofuel Production
by Jennifer Donovan (Michigan Tech News) Is it possible to develop and produce biofuels in a sustainable way, without harming people
August 30, 2012 Read Full Article
New NSF Research Grants for Bioenergy, Renewable Fuels and Energy, Bio-Based Chemicals and Renewable Chemical Process Technology
(Biofuels Digest) In Virginia, the NSF is calling for proposals for biological and chemical technologies, with a deadline of June 19,
April 10, 2012 Read Full Article
National Science Foundation, Japan Science and Technology Agency Issue New Joint Awards To Reduce Pesticide Pollution And Promote Biofuel
(Red Orbit) The carbon footprint of humans will be reduced by four awards for plant and microbial research issued under
December 08, 2011 Read Full Article
Iowa State University Scientists Part of US-Japan Team Set to Research Gene Chemistry to Enhance Biofuel, Biochemical Technology
(PressZoom/Iowa State University) An Iowa State University research team is collaborating with scientists at the Samuel Roberts Nobel Foundation
December 08, 2011 Read Full Article
Sustainable Energy Pathways (SEP) Grant Opportunity Solicitation Information Published Application Deadline February 1, 2012
(National Science Foundation) A sustainable world is one in which human needs are met equitably without harm to the environment,
November 09, 2011 Read Full Article
Iowa Receives $20 Million for Renewable Energy Research
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Iowa’s research community has been awarded $20 million through the National Science Foundation’s Experimental