James C. Liao, UCLA's Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Professor and chair of the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, has been named co-winner of the 2013 Eni Prize for renewable energy research by the Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei in Milan. The honor, which comes with an award of 200,000 Euros, or about $260,000, will be presented on June 27 at the presidential palace in Rome. Liao shares the award with Frances Arnold, a professor of chemical engineering at the California Institute of Technology.
Liao is being recognized for his work in synthesizing isobutanol and other higher alcohols as biofuels. He also has developed a way to turn electricity into liquid fuel. His breakthroughs have potential for use in numerous industrial and energy applications.
"Jim is applying groundbreaking techniques to solve the critical and related problems of curbing greenhouse gases and producing sustainable fuels," said Vijay K. Dhir, dean of the UCLA engineering school. "Recognition from the Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei is further proof that his work here at UCLA Engineering is unsurpassed."
The foundation is a nonprofit research institution devoted to the study of sustainable development and promoting innovative research on a wide range of environmental, energy and economic issues.
Said Liao, "I am surprised and greatly honored to receive this significant award. My group and I will continue to develop energy technology from renewable resources. In particular, we will focus on converting CO2 to fuels or other chemicals."
Read the complete announcement here.
