Additional Participants

Organizational Partners

University of Southern Maine
University of Maine Farmington
University of Maine Fort Kent
Colby College
Bates College
Bowdoin College
Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
Institute for Broadening Participation

Project Period

April 1, 2006-September 30, 2009

Level of Access

Open-Access Report

Grant Number

0554545

Submission Date

12-31-2009

Abstract

The University of Maine, the University of Southern Maine, several baccalaureate institutions in the state, along with other federal, state and local public, private, and non-profit institutions will collaborate to create the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) at the University of Maine. The vision of the FBRI is to advance understanding about the scientific underpinnings, system behavior, and policy implications for the production of forest-based bioproducts that meet societal needs for materials, chemicals, and fuels in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner.

The research plans Integrate three themes. They are (1) forest sustainability modeling of life cycle assessment, (2) integrated biopolymer separations and residual solids modifications, and (3) biological and chemical platform conversion technologies.

The research capitalizes upon Maine's unique position of having a large natural resource base, existing research capacities in pulp and paper, forestry, and wood products, along with a strong industrial presence. State, national, and global collaborations, including those with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, will contribute broader benefits to society as a result of this investment in forestry research.

The FBRI will serve as the forest-based carbohydrate economy center of excellence for the region, with a primary goal of transitioning developed science and technology to the state's industrial arena. State, national, and global impacts will be realized as a result of the investment in this research. In addition, a cadre of future engineers and scientists in multidisciplinary disciplines as well as policy-makers will result from the expected collaborations.

Support is provided through the NSF Experimental Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

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