Shell partners with University for biofuels project
The Centre of Excellence in Biocatalysis, Biotransformations and Biocatalytic Manufacture (CoEBio3) based at The University of Manchester has announced it will be working with Shell on the development of biofuels.
CoEBio3 was established in 2006 and has rapidly become one of the leading European centres in 鈥榳hite鈥� biotechnology 鈥� the use of microorganisms and enzymes to manufacture chemicals.
Professor Nick Turner, Director of CoEBio3, said: 鈥淲hite biotechnology has traditionally been the preserve of the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries but is poised to expand dramatically over the next few years.
鈥淐oEBio3 is extremely excited at the prospect of working with Shell in this innovative programme to further existing techniques in the field and develop new, ground-breaking technology.鈥�
Dr Graeme Sweeney, Shell Executive Vice President Future Fuels and CO2 said: 鈥淪hell鈥檚 in-house biofuels R&D is longstanding, leading and globally coordinated. However, we know that adding to our knowledge through genuine and nimble partnerships with top experts, wherever they may be, will be critical to speed and success in the fast-moving area of biofuels. We have been working with some partners for a good while already but are delighted to announce these six collaborations today. We welcome both the injection of expertise and enthusiasm.鈥�
CoEBio3 has 17 fee-paying industrial affiliates, including some of the world鈥檚 largest pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies. It has a wide network of academic collaborators with whom it undertakes both contract and original research in all aspects of biocatalytic processing from enzyme screening through to bioreactor design.
Notes for editors
For more information please contact Alex Waddfington, Media Relations Officer, The University of Manchester, Tel 0161 275 8387, Professor Nick Turner, CoEBio3, Tel 0161 306 5173 or Kirsten Smart, Shell International Media Office, London, Tel 0207 934 3505.