Second generation biofuels are being currently studied worldwide and huge research is carried out in order to produce ethanol from wood or lignocellulosic materials. Many improvements in the process are still required, and the use of by-products generated in the ethanol production, need to be studied.

Therefore, we are happy to announce the ICGEB-Chile International Course on Lignocellulosic Bioethanol, a theoretical course that will take place in Concepción - Chile from 12 to 16 March, 2012. The event is sponsored by the United Nations University UNU-BIOLAC as part of the 2012 meetings and courses of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology member states. 

Participants

There will be a maximum number of 30 participants. Participants to attend this course should fill the application form attached to this e-mail. The eligibility requirements for the course are listed below:

- Students of a Master of PhD program in Biofuels, Biotechnology, Forest Sciences, Agronomy or related fields.

- Professionals working in fields related with the topics of the course can also apply.

- It will be open to undergraduate students (in their last year) of Chemical Engineering, Forest Sciences, Plant Biotechnology, Agronomy, among others related fields.

- The course is exclusive to resident nationals of the ICGEB member states.

- Although the participants can apply from all ICGEB member states, applications from Latin America will be priorized (as indicated in ICGEB approved proposal)

Main Topics

Wood chemistry and biotechnology

The general aspects of wood formation and characterization will be covered,as well as the genetic improvement of trees for biofuels will be covered.

Pretreatment

The main processes currently used for pretreatment in the production of second generation biofuels will be covered and discussed.

Bioethanol and biomaterials

Fundaments of enzymatic saccharification and fermentation for bioethanol production from pretreated lignocellulosic material. Bioproducts and biomaterials that can be obtianed within the concept of biorefinery will be discussed.

Life cycle and economic analysis of production of second generation bioethanol

Alternative processes for bioethanol production from a repurposed kraft mill will be covered. The life cycle and economical analysis of the main processes presented in the course will be evaluated.

Speakers

Jaime Rodríguez. Director of Biotechnology Center, Universidad de Concepción. Coordinator. Biological and biomimetic pretreatments. Chile

Richard Phillips. Adjunct Professor and Executive in Residence in the Department of Wood and Paper Science, North Carolina State University. USA.

Richard Chandra. Research Associate, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia. Canada.

Andrè Ferraz. Researcher, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Sao Paulo University. Brazil.

Germán Aroca. Universidad Católica de Valparaiso, Valparaiso. Bioprocesses. Chile

Regis Teixeira. Biotechnology Center, Universidad de Concepción. Wood chemistry. Chile

Sofía Valenzuela. Biotechnology Center, Universidad de Concepción. Genetic improvement of lignocellulosic material for bioethanol. Chile.

Carolina Parra. Biotechnology Center, Universidad de Concepción. Pretreatments. Chile.

Costs

Latin american students (graduate, undergraduate) US$290

Professionals US$500

Chilean participants $150.000 (Chilean pesos)

Scholarships: Lodging expenses for some latin american students will be paid by the course (please indicate in applying e-mail).

Programme

March 11: Registration

March 12: Seminars from 9:00 to 17:30 Topic 1

March 13: Seminars from 9:00 to 17:30 Topic 2

March 14: Field trip visit (all day). Visit to pulp mills and facilities of cellulose research of Chilean Forest Companies and visit to the Biotechnology Center

March 15: Seminars from 9:00 to 17:30 Topic 3

March 16: Seminars from 9:00 to 13:00 Topic 4 14:30 to 17:00 evaluation

Contact information

Fernando Mejías B.
Chief of Communications
Biotechnology Center
Universidad de Concepción
femejias@udec.cl