Ward speaks with BDN about Technology Research Center’s future
Jake Ward, the University of Maine’s vice president for innovation and economic development, spoke with the Bangor Daily News for an article about the future of the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute’s (FBRI) Technology Research Center. FBRI researchers work on campus to create and commercialize new wood-based bioproducts that they test on a larger scale at the center, which opened about five years ago and is located on the former Expera pulp mill site in Old Town, according to the article. “We originally leased from Old Town Fuel & Fiber, and when it sold to Expera, we signed a lease with them,” Ward said. “We would hope to continue leasing with the new owner. We’re [leasing] month to month right now because of the transition they’re going through.” Ward said he hopes the new owner will see the center’s value and will continue to provide access.