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| Project Leader - Dr. Lindsay Eltis | Co-Leader - Dr. William Mohn |
Co-Applicants - Drs. Steven Hallam, John Kadla, Jeremy Hall, Steven Withers
Title: “Harnessing microbial diversity for sustainable use of forest biomass resources”
Synopsis: The forestry products industry is one of Canada’s largest contributors to GDP; however, its role has been diminished by increasing competition, consumer demands for higher quality products and stakeho lder interest in improved forest management. A key part of remaining competitive involves better management of forest biomass - a rich source of biofuels, feedstocks and other lignin - based products such as resins and carbon fibres. Together, these could contribute more than $1 billion to GDP. With funding from Genome Canada, scientists are exploring the microorganisms found in soil that naturally degrade biomass. Unlocking the potential of forest biomass will lead to better forest management practices a nd improve the economics of lignin - based products. To expedite the wider use of these innovations, an integrated GE3LS component is investigating key technological, commercial organizational, environmental and societal issues. To expedite the wider use o f these innovations, an integrated GE3LS component is investigating key technological, commercial organizational, environmental and societal issues.
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, made the announcement on March 25, 2011 of a $60 million investment in sixteen new Genome Canada applied research projects that will use genomics research to improve key sectors of the Canadian economy.
For more information on the Genome Canada applied research projects, please visit the Genome Canada website.