International bioeconomy conference in Edmonton to focus on innovation, diversification, climate change

EDMONTON, Nov. 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Researchers, biotech companies and policymakers will gather in Edmonton on Nov. 22-25, 2015, for "Bioindustrial Innovations: Unlocking Value and Tackling Climate Change," a major conference aimed at advancing the bioeconomy. This is the first international bioindustrial conference of this scope to be held in Edmonton.

The gathering is being co-hosted by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions (AI Bio) and the Biorefining Conversions Network (BCN). It will feature renowned researchers, industry leaders and other experts from across Canada, the United States and Europe as keynote speakers and panel participants. More than 200 attendees are expected, including academics and senior members of industry, government and funding agencies.

The bioindustrial sector is at the leading edge of green technology. Its focus is on the sustainable use of renewable biomass, and the research, development and commercialization of environmentally friendly industrial bioproducts and technologies.

Not only does the bioindusrial sector have potential to reduce carbon footprints in Alberta and elsewhere – the development and commercialization of advanced nanomaterials, biofuels, green chemicals and biocomposites derived from agriculture and forest residues/byproducts also have great potential to help diversify the provincial economy. In addition, advances in the conversion of yeasts, algae and microorganisms into biofuels and bioproducts will be discussed.

Yet other sessions will focus on the latest research into using biomass for oilsands remediation. AI Bio and the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC) are co-hosting a technical workshop in conjunction with the main conference titled "Accounting for GHGs" (measuring and tracking carbon flow from biological and industrial processes). These topics are particularly timely, coming just days before world leaders meet in Paris on Nov. 30 for climate change talks.

The BCN – AI Bio conference will take place at the Shaw Conference Centre in downtown Edmonton overlooking the scenic North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Media outlets are invited to attend plenary and/or breakout sessions taking place:

• Between 8 a.m. MST and 5 p.m. MST on both Monday, Nov. 23, and Tuesday, Nov. 24.
• Between 8 a.m. MST and 12 p.m. MST, on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Agenda Highlights: (Detailed Agenda - printer-friendly)

• Welcome address – Hon. Deron Bilous, Minister, Economic Development and Trade, Government of Alberta (Monday, Nov. 23).
• Opening keynote – Andreea Strachinescu, Unit Head, New Energy Technologies, Directorate General for Energy, European Commission (Monday, Nov. 23).
• Plenary session – "How do GHG policies affect the bioeconomy?" – moderated by University of Alberta Prof. Andrew Leach, Chair, Climate Change Advisory Panel to the Government of Alberta (Tuesday, Nov. 24).
• Luncheon keynote – His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor, City of Edmonton (Tuesday, Nov. 24).
• Conference MC – Jay Ingram, Correspondent, Discovery Channel Canada.

SOURCE Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions

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