Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and researchers from laboratories, universities and businesses around the Midwest discussed their latest work in bio-fuel technology at the first Bio-Fuels and Energy Independence Symposium held at the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Thursday.
Bio-fuels have the potential to reduce the United States' reliance on foreign oil by producing clean, renewable fuel from resources. The Bio-Fuels Symposium brought together researchers, engineers, educators and industrial professionals from the region to present their latest ideas and development activities in bio-fuel conversion and production.
"Here you have a high likelihood of harvesting the kind of creative friction between the science and math and technology, in one of the finest liberal arts colleges you'll ever find," said Lt. Gov. Barb Lawton during her keynote address to the crowd.
The symposium was organized by American Science and Technology, based in Chicago. Scientists from AST and UWS are working collaboratively on federally-funded research to develop cold-tolerant bio-fuels using plants from northern Wisconsin and northern Minnesota.
"We are very grateful to American Science and Technology that you chose Wisconsin to explore your ambition for really reshaping the world," Lawton said.
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Lawton said Wisconsin strives to be a global leader to develop products and technology that lead to greater energy efficiency and biofuels.
"We seek sustainability by every measure," Lawton said. She said the Midwest should also take the lead in developing policy toward that end.
The symposium runs until 4:30 p.m. in the Rothwell Student Center Ballroom and rooms 217 and 218. The event is free and open to the public.
