BTI SPONSORS ISBP 2006
The 10th International Symposium on Biological Polyesters was held August 27-30 with Prof. Friedrich Srienc as Chair. The latest in a 20-year old series of biannual conferences, ISBP 2006 drew an international crowd of over 130 researchers. It featured 49 oral presentations, 59 poster contributions and included updates on major industrial initiatives in the field, including Archer Daniel Midland's planned Metabolix Natural Plastics biorefinery in Clinton, Iowa. Study ranks U of M sixth A study ranked the University of Minnesota sixth in North America in the category of Technology Transfer and Commercialization Index (or the ability to turn knowledge into commercially viable products and companies).

DAVIS APOINTED BTI DIRECTOR
After an extensive search, H. Ted Davis was appointed BTI director effective Jan. 7, 2008. A faculty member in the university's Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science since 1963, Davis served as department head for 15 years. He was named Regents Professor and is a member of the National Academy of Engineers. In 1995, he was named dean of the Institute of Technology and served nine years before leaving the post in 2004 to return to the faculty. In his new role as director of the BTI, Davis will lead efforts to boost interdisciplinary research for new and innovative sources of renewable energy.