Department of Chemical Engineering Professor Kevin Whitty has been appointed Leader of International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy Task 33: Thermal Gasification of Biomass. Task 33 has been organized by twelve countries focused on bioenergy development to review and exchange information on biomass gasification research, development, and demonstration and to promote cooperation among the participating countries and industry to eliminate technological impediments to the advancement of thermal gasification of biomass. The ultimate objective is to promote commercialization of efficient, economical, and environmentally preferable biomass gasification processes, for the production of electricity, heat, and steam, for the production of synthesis gas for subsequent conversion to chemicals, fertilisers, hydrogen and transportation fuels, and also for co-production of these products. Countries participating in Task 33 include Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States.