The Biomass Conversion Research Laboratory (BCRL) is a group of people committed to the idea that our society need not, indeed must not, be so totally and dangerously dependent on petroleum as a raw material. We seek to develop cost effective, efficient and environmentally attractive systems for converting renewable plant materials into fuels, chemicals and animal feeds. We regard ourselves as “serious dreamers” and collaborate extensively with other visionary but practical individuals. We are not as so many Don Quixote’s tilting at windmills. We believe that plant biomass can supply large scale energy services while still feeding humankind and that this emerging industry can be both economically and environmentally sound. We invite you to learn about our activities through this site and about those of like-minded groups through the many links provided.