Berkeley, UCSD on BP's Short List.

The blog Biopact.com is reporting that UC Berkeley and UC San Diego are among five universities being considered by BP as a home for its planned $500 million biosciences energy laboratory, the "BP Energy Biosciences Institute."

According to Biopact.com:

The UC Berkeley proposal is believed to be one of five being made to BP, which initiated talks with several leading academic institutions over hosting the proposed Energy Biosciences Institute. Other institutions expected to submit applications include the University of California at San Diego, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge University and Imperial College. BP has said it aims to launch early research programs by the end of 2007.

The institute is expected to focus on developing new biofuel components and improving the efficiency and flexibility of those blended with transport fuels. It will also develop new technologies to enhance and accelerate the conversion of organic matter to biofuels with the aim of increasing the proportion of a crop that can be used to produce feedstock. It will also use modern plant science to develop species that produce a higher yield of energy molecules and can be grown on land not suitable for food production.

As envisioned, the Institute will be part research lab and part training facility for academics and scientists and it will serve as a bridge to the biotech community in an effort to incoporate biotechnology in energy production.

Universities vying to get BP's $500 million bioenergy R&D Fund [Biopact.com]