The Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development, founded in 1995 at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, is committed to conducting catalysis research and development that combines exploratory research leading to novel technology and projects for industrial applications. The combination and proper balance between exploratory research, industrial projects and short-term jobs provide a strong basis for achieving its objectives.
The researchers at Blechner Center have developed the infrastructure and the expertise required to deal with a wide variety of challenging topics related to fundamentaland applied aspects of catalysis and catalytic processes. This was accomplished with major funding of well over $15,000,000 from various sources such as science foundations and industrial partners. Among the vast state-of-the-art R&D equipment operated at the Blechner Center, two mini-pilot units are employed in various commercial projects.
The Blechner Center has taken a bold and successful initiative, focusing on conversion of carbon dioxide to liquid fuels and chemicals. Researchers at the Blechner Center have developed novel, proprietary catalytic processes for converting CO2 to alternative, fungible liquid fuels and chemicals. Those processes, based on CO2 and various sources for hydrogen as feedstock with the implementation of proprietary catalysts and process design, are in advanced development stages and expected to be commercialized within the next 5 years.
About
In 1995, Norbert Blechner, an American philanthropist and a valued friend of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, was instrumental in the establishment of the Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development.
The Center supports scientific research in active catalysis development with practical applications. Between the basic investigations for which academic institutions are best known and the commercially driven development of products in industrial laboratories lies a vast area that the Blechner Center hopes to bridge. After more than fifty years working in the minerals trade, Blechner is well aware of the potential for industrial applications of new catalysts and recognizes the need to encourage scientists to take the extra step forward from basic to applied research. Over the past six years, the Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development has provided the environment for exceptional research and development in the field. Areas of expertise include catalysis for refinery and petrochemical processes and for intermediates to agrochemicals, aroma and pharmaceuticals. Researchers affiliated with the center have already filed six patents. Another mark of the Center's success has been the number of contracts with industrial companies. The Blechner Center actively works with a number of Israeli and international companies. The continuous exploratory research is expected to attract increasing collaboration with industry. The Blechner Center will be one of the important partners in the industrial park to be established by the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Clearly, the Norbert Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development is already having an impact in the Negev.
The transfer of knowledge from the University to the market place in this frontier region if boosting local economic capabilities. For Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, founded specifically with the mission to bring development to the region, each research project that strengthens local commercial ventures is a Source of pride.
Norbert Blechner's commitment to Israel and Jewish values goes beyond economics and science. Blechner has acted upon his belief that a Jewish state needs Jewish values and Jewish knowledge. He has established the Blechner Chair in Jewish tradition and Values and the Blechner and Friends Career Development Chair in East European Jewish culture. This is in addition to his generous support for student scholarship funds and general support for the University.
In 1989, Mr. Blechner received an honorary doctorate from the University in recognition of his involvement and support. In 1999, he received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award for his Unending commitment to academic excellence at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Mr. Blechner passed away on March 16, 2005. It is a great loss to all of us. We cherished Mr. Blechner's interest and involvement in the operation of the Center. We, the staff of the Blechner Center, will continue the legacy of Mr. Blechner to leverage the extensive knowledge developed over the past decade.
