Future Fuels Institute at Florida State University Recognized as a Waters Center of Innovation

Analytical Technology Fueling Institute's Fundamental Energy Research

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Nov 15, 2011, 10:00 ET

MILFORD, Mass., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) today welcomed the Future Fuels Institute at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida into its Centers of Innovation Program. The Future Fuels Institute under its director, Dr. Chang S. (Sam) Hsu, is pioneering research into the development of fuels from fossil and renewable energy sources to meet future global demands for energy. The Institute is the first such Center of Innovation in the field of energy research.

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"Dr. Hsu is one of the world's most accomplished researchers in the field of petroleum research and his contributions to the field are well-recognized," said Tim Riley, PhD, V.P. of Strategic Innovation, Waters Division and Program Director of Waters Centers of Innovation program. "It gives us great pleasure to recognize the Future Fuels Institute and support its ongoing research through our Centers of Innovation program."

A focal point of Dr. Hsu's research is research into biofuels derived from natural and renewable source materials. These include solid biomass such as wood, saw dust, agricultural wastes and non-food crops converted into ethanol, biobutanols, gasoline, jet fuels and diesels. He and his staff are also active in researching technology for turning algae into non-ethanol-based nautical, aviation and automotive fuels.

"Everyday life depends on ready sources of energy and fuels," said Dr. Hsu. "Sustainability of energy supplies and harmful emission reduction for dealing with climate change are central themes. We established the Future Fuels Institute to address these pressing issues and needs."

Dr. Hsu's career in the petroleum industry spans more than 30 years. During that time, he published three books on such topics as the chemistry of diesel fuels, analytical advances for hydrocarbon research and practical advances in petroleum processing, eight book chapters, 13 patents and more than 120 other publications. Dr. Hsu is a past president of the Chinese American Chemical Society and a recipient of numerous awards.

Central to the Institute's research capabilities are Waters liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry systems for looking at the molecular composition of heavy oils and biomass feeds/materials in order to better understand the chemistry of these products and optimize processes for making them.

About the Future Fuels Institute

The Future Fuels Institute pursues collaborative activities in fundamental science, enabling technologies and applied knowledge in the areas of fuels sciences and technology to promote education, outreach and training.

The mission of the Institute is to conduct fundamental and advanced scientific research and to develop and promote technology for efficient production and use of renewable fuels, such as biofuels and green fuels, and fuels derived from difficult hydrocarbon resources, such as heavy oils and synthetic crudes.

As a part of Florida State University, the Institute will collaborate with visiting scientists/engineers and professionals in fuel science and technology from member companies, and provide education and training to undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

More information: www.research.fsu.edu/ffi

About Waters Centers of Innovation Program

Waters Centers of Innovation Program recognizes and supports the efforts of scientists facilitating breakthroughs in health and life science research, food safety, environmental protection, sports medicine and many other areas.

Dr. Hsu is one of thirteen researchers recognized as a Waters Center of Innovation. Others include Prof. Jeremy Nicholson, Imperial College London; Prof. John Engen, Northeastern University, Boston, Mass.; Prof. James Scrivens, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Prof. David Cowan of Kings College London; Prof. Arthur Moseley of Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Prof. Julie Leary of the University of California – Davis; and Prof. Albert J. Fornace, Jr., Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, D.C.; Prof. Marcos Eberlin, University of Campinas, Brazil; Joseph Dalluge, University of Minnesota; Prof. Ganesh Anand, National University of Singapore; Dr. Konstantinos Petritis, Translational Genomics Research Institute; and Prof. Vladimir Shulaev, University of North Texas Department of Biological Sciences.

These leading scientists, in partnership with Waters, are using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to take research down new paths and help unlock the mysteries of science.

About Waters Corporation (www.waters.com)

For over 50 years, Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) has created business advantages for laboratory-dependent organizations by delivering practical and sustainable innovation to enable significant advancements in such areas as healthcare delivery, environmental management, food safety, and water quality worldwide.

Pioneering a connected portfolio of separations science, laboratory information management, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis, Waters technology breakthroughs and laboratory solutions provide an enduring platform for customer success.

With revenue of $1.64 billion in 2010 and 5,400 employees, Waters is driving scientific discovery and operational excellence for customers worldwide.

Waters is a trademark of Waters Corporation.

SOURCE Waters Corporation