Center for Bioenergy Innovation
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Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) is one of the U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Research Centers, focusing on the development of sustainable biofuels and bioproducts from cellulosic biomass. It brings together researchers from various disciplines to tackle the scientific challenges of creating economically viable and environmentally sustainable bioenergy solutions.
Mission
The mission of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center is to conduct basic research that leads to the development of technologies for converting lignocellulosic biomass into advanced biofuels and bioproducts. GLBRC seeks to create sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and chemicals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support rural economies while ensuring environmental stewardship"About GLBRC - Mission". Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. https://www.glbrc.org/about/mission..
Parent organization
GLBRC is led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with Michigan State University as a primary partner. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, making it part of a network of Bioenergy Research Centers aimed at advancing the nation's bioenergy capabilities"About GLBRC - Partners". Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. https://www.glbrc.org/about/partners..
Legislation
GLBRC was established without specific legislation but through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science as part of the initiative to promote bioenergy research.
Partners
- Michigan State University
- Various academic institutions for collaborative research
- Industry partners for technology transfer
Number of employees
GLBRC employs approximately 400 researchers, students, and staff across its collaborative network"About GLBRC - Team". Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. https://www.glbrc.org/about/team..
Organization structure
GLBRC's structure focuses on multidisciplinary research, integrating:
- **Sustainability Research** for assessing the environmental impact of bioenergy crops.
- **Plant Science** to engineer crops for better biofuel production.
- **Microbial Conversion** to optimize the conversion of biomass into biofuels.
- **Deconstruction and Conversion** for developing efficient biomass processing technologies.
Leader
The GLBRC is led by a Director.
Divisions
The center operates through various research areas rather than traditional divisions:
- Sustainability Research
- Plant Science
- Microbial Conversion
- Deconstruction and Conversion"GLBRC Research Overview". Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. https://www.glbrc.org/research/overview..
List of programs
- Bioenergy Crops Research
- Microbial Engineering for Biofuel Production
- Biomass Conversion Technologies
Last total enacted budget
GLBRC received $27,500,000 for Fiscal Year 2023 from the U.S. Department of Energy"DOE renews funding for Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center; UW–Madison hub to receive $27.5 million for 2023". University of Wisconsin-Madison. https://news.wisc.edu/doe-renews-funding-for-great-lakes-bioenergy-research-center-uw-madison-hub-to-receive-27-5-million-for-2023/..
Staff
GLBRC has around 400 scientists, students, and staff involved in its research programs, spread across its partner institutions.
Funding
Funding for GLBRC comes primarily from the U.S. Department of Energy, with periodic renewals based on research outcomes and national priorities in energy research. The center has been funded since its establishment in 2007.
Services provided
GLBRC provides research services centered around biofuel and bioproduct innovation, including the development of new plant varieties, microbial processes for biomass conversion, and sustainability assessments to ensure that bioenergy practices are environmentally sound.
Regulations overseen
GLBRC does not oversee regulations directly but rather conducts research that informs policy and regulatory frameworks related to bioenergy and sustainability.
Headquarters address
1552 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726
History
Established in 2007 by the U.S. Department of Energy, GLBRC has been at the forefront of bioenergy research, aiming to develop technologies for creating biofuels from non-food biomass. Over the years, it has expanded its research scope to include not only biofuels but also bioproducts, focusing on sustainability and economic viability.