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Students win prize for wood pulp project
A TEAM of Sheffield University students have won a national competition for coming up with an original alternative to wood pulp for the paper industry.
The group of five PhD students from the university's department of molecular biology and biotechnology were awarded the Pfizer Prize for Innovation in the national finals of the "Biotechnology YES" competition.
Their idea involved producing cellulose from bacteria to supply as an alternative to wood pulp, which would prove more environmentally friendly than cutting down trees. This was considered by the judges to be the most innovative scheme that could realistically be made into a viable business.
One of the team members, Tacita Nye, said: "The competition has allowed us to learn a great deal about commercialisation of a scientific idea, as well as give us an insight into the skills required for success in the business world."
Dr Celia Caulcott, director of innovation and skills at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, added: "In the UK we have unrivalled talent in biosciences and we must ensure that the impact of such excellent talent is realised."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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