The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) will host the Algal Biology Toolbox Workshop on May 24–25, 2016, in San Diego, California. Because biological productivity is a key driver for the economic viability of algae-based biofuels, improving on the performance of native strains is a critical element of the research efforts funded by BETO’s Advanced Algal Systems Program.

The purpose of this workshop is to gather lead experts in the field of algal biology to discuss the following:

• The current state of algal biological tools, including our understanding of algal biology and biochemistry, available molecular toolboxes, ‘omics databases, and other resources
• Challenges to developing and applying a full suite of biology tools to improve algae performance and system robustness
• Strategies to advance progress toward commercial algal biofuels.

Attendees will review the tools and resources available to grow, monitor, valorize, and genetically enhance algae for biofuel production and will help inform a strategy for leveraging these tools to realize a future where algae-based biofuels and bioproducts contribute significantly to the U.S. bioeconomy.

Click here to register for the event and find more information on hotel accommodations.