ISSCT

Updated 19 September 2007

An international consortium has been set up to promote the development of technology which can be used to extract additional value by making better use of the whole sugar cane crop. This has been initiated by ISSCT as a part of its efforts to encourage the interchange of technical information and promote cooperative research and development. The aims and objectives of the consortium are as follows:

 ·      To promote research into the processing of sugar cane biomass into useful value-added
      products.
  ·       To establish collaboration among research providers to enhance progress towards
       commercialization of useful products.
  ·      To use the input of sugar companies and other industry stakeholders to direct research priorities
      for  maximum benefit.

A Memorandum of Understanding Governing the Activities of the International Sugarcane Biomass Utilization Consortium (ISBUC) which outlines how the consortium functions has been drawn up and agreed at two preliminary planning meetings held in South Africa and Brazil. Reports on these meetings (FIRST-July 2006 & SECOND-November 2006) and the issues discussed relative to the formation of the consortium are available for information. 

A meeting was held on 1st August 2007 during the XXVI ISSCT Congress in Durban to convey to all interested parties the objectives of ISBUC and to encourage prospective members to join. Some 45 delegates presented at the Congress attended the meeting. The notes of meeting are given at http://www.issct.org/isbucongrep.htm

As at today 17 September 2007, eight institutions in addition to ISSCT have formally joined ISBUC. 
 

ISBUC will be led by Dr. Manoel Régis Leal from Brazil. Two research proposals are being considered by two sub-groups emanating from the Steering Committee which was set up in Durban. The next step is the finalization of the two research proposals which are available at

http://www.issct.org/isbucresprop1.htm
http://www.issct.org/isbucresprop2.htm

Companies, research units and other organizations which have an interest in promoting the aims of ISBUC are invited to join, using the membership Application Form. The consortium is at an early stage in its life and members will have the ability to influence the directions that ISBUC follows.
 

Interested parties are invited to contact the ISSCT Secretariat for details. Any ideas, questions or suggestions should be addressed to Dr. Manoel Regis Lima Verde Leal with copies to Dr. Peter Rein and Dr. Jean Claude Autrey: