Masdar institute paper wins Best Presentation Award at 13th World Congress on Anaerobic Digestion in Spain

Abu Dhabi, July 3, 2013 (WAM) - Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, yesterday announced that a paper co-authored by one of its faculty won the best presentation award at the 13th World Congress on Anaerobic Digestion in Spain. Titled, Linking thermodynamics and kinetics to assess pathway reversibility in anaerobic fermentations', the paper achieved a combined peer review and presentation score above 87%, making it the highest rated paper of the over 700 papers presented (200 oral and 500 poster) at the conference. The paper was co-authored by Rebeca Gonzalez, visiting PhD student at Masdar Institute, Juan M. Lema, University of Santiago de Compostela, Dr Jorge Rodriguez, Institute Centre for Water Advanced Technology and Environmental Research (iWATER), Masdar Institute, and Robbert Kleerebezem Delft University of Technology. Organised by the International Water Association (IWA), the World Congress on Anaerobic Digestion: Recovering (bio) Resources for the World' was held from 25-28 June in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. More than 700 scientific presentations were offered to delegates on breakthrough innovations and advanced technologies at the event that attracted academics and industry professionals in large numbers. The Congress is held only once in every three years as part of the IWA Anaerobic Digestion Specialist Group conference series, which were conceived as an international forum for discussion on state-of-the-art anaerobic bioprocesses. A total of 12 papers were presented by Masdar Institute students, post-doc researchers and faculty. A poster on Assessing biomass hydrolysis capacity of camel rumen microorganisms for bioenergy production,' by Alya Altunaji, a UAE national student, co-authored by Dr Hector. H. Hernandez, and Dr Rodriguez was presented. Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: "The scientific papers and poster presentations at the World Congress on Anaerobic Digestion strongly indicate the nature of the research being carried out at Masdar Institute and the caliber of the faculty guiding the students. With the support of the UAE's leadership, we continue to elevate our profile in global events while driving innovation in advanced technologies. We believe participating in international forums will bring further progress in knowledge and human capital development for Abu Dhabi and the UAE." Dr Rodriguez said: "An event such as the World Congress on Anaerobic Digestion offers the most suitable platform to explore the advances, frontiers and applications for a more sustainable planet. In addition, the global and multidisciplinary audience at the event provides a compelling reason to participate and further raise the profile of Masdar Institute. Renowned international academicians are already aware of the extent of research being undertaken at Masdar Institute and this Congress will help us reach out to interested industry partners and potential students." – Emirates News Agency, WAM