Commercial focus on North East biotechnology
Aug 11 2010 by Karen Dent, The Journal
A TOP academic has been appointed to put a fresh commercial focus on biotechnology innovations in the North East.
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at the Wilton Centre on Teesside has created the new chair in industrial biotechnology at Durham University, which will be filled by microbiologist Professor Mike Theodorou.
Previously based at Aberystwyth University in Wales, Prof Theodorou has developed a patented process for continuous anaerobic processing being commercialised in the CPI-backed start-up Biosource.
Prof Theodorou said: “Being first in a new post is always a challenge but I look forward to whatever lies ahead.
“My role will be to keep an eye on exciting new technologies and innovations happening in the university and offer guidance on their development.
“My key focus is to assist in the development of a stronger and productive relationship between the university and CPI – particularly in relation to the underpinning of scientific research at the Durham Energy Institute – to ensure that exploitable, proof of principle research is taken forward to industrial application.”
Biosource, which is based in Aberystwyth but is being incubated by the CPI, has created a new process to use anaerobic micro-organisms to convert organic waste and biomass crops into bio-fuels.
CPI, Britain’s technology innovation centre for the process industries, works to develop ideas and processes for commercial use and mainly concentrates on printable electronics and industrial biotechnology.
CPI director of sustainable processing and advanced manufacturing, Dr Chris Dowle, said: “The global thrust to create cleaner and more sustainable manufacturing processes means that the benefits of industrial biotechnology have risen high up the agenda of government and commerce.
“The creation of this chair recognises the growing importance of the sector and is a highly significant step forward for both Durham University and CPI.
“Industrial biotechnology is a means of manufacturing products in a more renewable and sustainable way – incorporating micro-organisms into the production process helps to manufacture low-cost, low-emission products.”
The CPI and university aim to use the new post to further develop commercially viable research and innovation.
Professor Tom McLeish, pro-vice-chancellor (research) at Durham University, said: “Durham University puts partnership with industry at the heart of its strategy.
“We are delighted with this addition to our portfolio of creative collaborations that produce sustainable technologies for the world’s future as well as new understanding and knowledge.
“By developing closer links with industry in this way we can not only link our students and researchers with complementary expertise and experience, but also give them direct access to the tools and expertise they need to take their ideas on to the next stage of development.”
