In the face of a global energy crisis, Florida has turned to its universities for help.
Gov. Charlie Crist dedicated $50 million Wednesday to five state universities for researching renewable energy.
UF will receive $15 million and will lead the effort. The other four universities that make up the initial group will receive $8.75 million each.
UF, Florida State University, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University are the five universities involved.
Eric Wachsman, UF engineering professor and director of UF's Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy, said this collaboration would give the universities access to experts from all different areas and allow them to bring the renewable energy technologies to market faster.
UF President Bernie Machen is expected to choose a director for the program later this summer.
