Course Dates: September 16 – 21, 2012
Organized by: Michigan State University World Technology Access (WorldTAP) Program in collaboration with Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC).
Brochure (.pdf)
Registration Form (.doc) or Online Registration
Application Deadline
Registration Fee
Course Fee
Contact Information
Course Rationale
Globally, biofuels research and development is gaining increasing attention as energy costs are rising. There is interest worldwide to look for alternative sources of energy using bio-based renewable resources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
In this context, there is a renewed focus on production and commercialization of biofuels that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially acceptable. Human resources and institutional capacity need to be developed to support biofuels research and development worldwide. Both developed and developing countries are investing in biofuels research and development programs. These programs will require trained human resources, information, and networking opportunities to learn from new advances that are occurring worldwide.
Course Description
With a renewed interest in biofuel research and development, Michigan State University (MSU) is now actively involved in this arena. MSU is a partner in the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), one of three new U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Research Centers. MSU has over 25 biofuels specialists under this program. Using this faculty resource base, as well as U.S. and international experts, MSU will offer this one-week short course on biofuels.
This short course will provide meaningful exposure to topics related to science, technology and policy associated with biofuels, and address the economic, social, ethical, environmental and technological issues associated with the use and management of biofuels. Participants will receive background information and publications, as well as hands-on training on these subjects.
Course Components
Course topics are covered under five broad areas:
Policy Issues Related to Biofuels
- Introduction and History of Biofuels
- International Codes, Regulations and Recommendations
Research on Biofuels
- Raw materials
- Processing
- Current State of Research in Biofuels
- Biotechnology and Biofuel
Commercial Production of Biofuels
- Biomass Production
- Dedicated Biomass Crops
- New Infrastructure
Socio-Economic Aspects of Biofuels
- Ethical and Socio-Economic Issues
- Land Value and Use
- Biofuels in Developing Countries and Food Security: Balancing Food and Energy Security
Biofuels and Sustainable Energy
- Environmental Concerns and Sustainability
- Use of Marginal Land for Biomass Production
- Transition of Diverse Landscape to Monoculture
- Agronomic Issues
- Impacts on Soil (Carbon)
- Case studies: U.S., Europe, Brazil, and other developing countries
Other Components:
- Visits to Ethanol and Biodiesel Plants in Michigan, Michigan Biotechnology Institute, and Research Laboratories at MSU
- Panel Discussion: Opportunities, Benefits, Risks, Concerns, and Myths about Biofuels
- Training Programs and Information Resources on Biofuels
Application deadline: August 15, 2012
Registration Fee: $250 (Non-Refundable)
Course Fee *: $3,250
Course Fee includes instruction fee, information packages, local travel, meals and Lodging. (* Course Fee non-refundable after July 30, 2012)
Please make checks payable to Michigan State University.
For more information contact:
Dr. Callista Ransom
Institute of International Agriculture
418 Plant & Soil Science Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824 (USA)
Phone: (517) 355-5191 Ext. 1405
Fax: (517) 432-1982
E-mail: ransomca@msu.edu
OR
Dr. Karim M. Maredia
Institute of International Agriculture
416 Plant & Soil Science Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824 (USA)
Phone: (517) 353-5262
Fax: (517) 432-1982
E-mail: kmaredia@msu.edu
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal opportunity institution.