On Thursday, representatives from the two research institutions briefed USTAR board members on plans for the near future. The USTAR initiative provides money for the U. and USU to bring in scientists who can develop technology that can be commercialized.

USU will be focusing on biofuels and directed energy sensor technology in 2007, said Ned Weinshenker, the school's vice president for strategic ventures and economic development.

Biofuels involve creating fuels from biological materials, such as crops, and the sensor technology would help create three-dimensional images that include details such as GPS coordinates. USU is aiming $2.5 million for the new initiatives.

The Logan school has already hired Krishna Shenai and David York through the program for other projects. Shenai is involved in high-tech research, including power management in electronic devices, and York conducts obesity-related research. The two USTAR researchers will split $1.2 million for 2007.

The U. is looking to recruit researchers in eight study areas, with three specialities that seem to be the closest to coming together: fuels, bioengineering and biosensors, said Jack Brittain, the U.'s vice president for technology venture development.

Brian McPherson, an expert in carbon sequestration that could be used to combat global warming, is among the first U. recruits through the USTAR program.

State lawmakers earlier this year provided $65 million toward USTAR's operations and approved $110 million in bonds for building research facilities. Economic development officials hope the incoming researchers will create spin-off companies that will provide high-paying jobs to Utahns.

glavine@sltrib.com