NAS names Israeli scientist to biofuels committee
Prof. Sammy Boussiba of Ben-Gurion University, who heads groundbreaking work in the field of microalgal biotechnology, asked to participates in American National Academy of Sciences committee on sustainable development of algal biofuels
Prof. Sammy Boussiba, director of the French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Dryland at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, has been named as a member in a committee appointed by the American National Academy of Sciences, to examine the sustainable development of algal biofuels.
According to the university, the NAS committee convened in Washington in march, and is set to hold three additional meetings in the coming months.
The committee's findings on development of sustainable algal biofuels, will be submitted to the several US authorities, and should help in determining Washington's policy – and future funding - on this issue.
In the past – and under Prof. Boussiba's guidance – the Ben-Gurion University headed a prestigious research venture in the field of water purification and microalgal biotechnology, along with the University of Johannesburg and the University of California, Los Angeles.
In 2009, the Ben-Gurion University, which is considered a world leader in algae production commercialization, announced a multi-year, multi-million dollar technology-licensing and development agreement with Primafuel, Inc., a California-based company that develops renewable fuels.
Prof. Boussiba is a world-renowned researcher. He is particularly known for his work in is developing biotechnology for large-scale production of astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus; research concerning the basic aspects of carotenogenesis, the physiological aspects facilitating the survival of Spirulina in extreme alkaline environments, and the exploration of biochemical and molecular components involved in these activities, a BGU statement noted.
Oded Bar-Meir contributed to this report
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