New Delhi: Saurabh Kumar from Lovely Professional University (LPU) made India proud by being invited to present his research on large scale production of Bioethanol at the 27th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) in Lisbon, Portugal. At the EUBCE, where most papers were presented by scientists and PHD scholars, Saurabh was amongst very few student researchers from across the globe who was invited to present. His research on ‘Comparative evaluation of methods for Bioethanol production from co-cultures of Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae’ aims to enable large scale production of Bioethanol using yeast and bacteria. Bioethanol is the major petroleum substitute for use in road transport.

EUBCE is the leading platform for the collection, exchange and dissemination of scientific and industrial know-how in the field of biomass attracting biomass professionals from around the globe. It is supported by leading European and international organizations such as the European Commission, UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Natural Sciences Sector, EUBIA – the European Biomass Industry Association and WCRE – the World Council for Renewable Energy.

Saurabh is a student of M.Sc. (Hons) Biotechnology student of School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, at the LPU.  Post completion of his Master’s program Saurabh plans to apply for PHD and continue research on biofuels at an Institute of National Importance or a prestigious foreign university.

Speaking about this rare honour for an Indian student, Saurabh Kumar said, “I am delighted to have been able to present my research to leading scientists, researchers and policy makers who were a part of the European Biomass Conference. Biofuels are the need of the hour, however, the biggest challenge in their adoption is their production and availability in large amounts. We all want to live in a greener and cleaner world and nothing would give me more pleasure than my research playing a role in accelerating the production of biofuels.”

Dr. Umesh Gautam, HOD, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciencessaid, “It is very rare for a student to get an opportunity to present research work at such a prestigious conference which is usually the preserve of distinguished scientists and PHD scholars. We are extremely of  Saurabh and hope that he continues on this path and creates a major impact in the area of bio fuels.”