Reviewer Comments - EERE

2011 Algae Platform Review – Reviewer Comments
Reviewer Comments are direct transcripts of commentary and material provided by the Platform’s
Review Panel. They have not been edited or altered by the Biomass Program.
2. Technical Progress and Accomplishments
Please evaluate the degree to which the project has
made progress in its objectives and stated project management plan
has met its objectives in achieving milestones and overcoming technical barriers
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1 Criteria Score: 5
Project is moving at an acceptable pace.
Reviewer: 2 Criteria Score: 8
The project has good partners and practical goals that are being approached well.
Reviewer: 3 Criteria Score: 5
• Developed and tested sample preparation and analysis methods • Developed host and background
subtraction reagents • Developed agent isolation methods
Reviewer: 4 Criteria Score: 8
Some tasks have been completed.
Reviewer: 5 Criteria Score: 5
Progress is limited because the project just began (October 2010).
Reviewer: 6 Criteria Score: 5
New project so difficult to judge. Much more information could have been given (and defended) as to the
development of the methods applied.
Reviewer: 7 Criteria Score: 5
It is early in project.
Presenter Response
The project team would like to have presented more technical detail but were limited by the required
format and time allotted for the presentation. We have made significant progress in the development of
positive controls and in house culture systems as a source of materials for analysis. We have obtained and
are analyzing samples from an number of parallel pilot scale ponds. We are refining our methods to
accommodate the use of frozen samples to ensure sample stability during shipment.
3. Project Relevance
The project both identifies with and contributes to meeting the platform goals and objectives of the
Biomass Program Multi-Year Program Plan
The project has considered applications of the expected outputs
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1 Criteria Score: 5
The relevance is somewhat apparent if it is actually used to promote the scale-up of production. The
investigators need to be sure they do not place hemselves in the position of promoting a methodology or
technique and looking for a problem. Some partnering with pond operators is desirable.
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