Nearly 250 scientists, researchers, and students attended the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) Annual Science Planning Retreat on June 20-22 at the I Hotel and Conference Center and other University of Illinois sites. After another year of interdisciplinary research and a successful renewal from the Department of Energy, the meeting celebrated this year’s successes and planned for the upcoming year through large plenary sessions, networking opportunities, research facility tours, and small, interactive breakout groups.
The first day of meetings kicked off with a welcome from Director Andrew Leakey, followed by research updates in each theme: Sustainability, Feedstock Production, and Conversion. In “Bioenergy 101” presentations, scientists focused in different subject matter provided an educational and understandable overview of their disciplines, and connected their work to the larger CABBI audience. A highlight of the retreat was exploring industry priorities in the bioenergy and bioproduct space. A three-part session featured three CABBI researchers sharing their technology-focused updates, a panel with the CABBI Strategic Advisory Board members, and a follow-up conversation with CABBI leadership to open the door for industry collaborations. New this year, eight early career researchers gave highlight talks to the CABBI community. Informal conversations and a research poster competition created an atmosphere of collaboration and support throughout the retreat.
To see more of what happened at the retreat, view the gallery below.
June 20:
Checking out a drone study at the Illinois Energy Farm.CABBI researchers Eddie Brzostek (left) and D.K. Lee (right) during a tour of the Illinois Energy Farm.CABBI researchers Ernie Cebert (left) and Erik Sacks visit at the Illinois Energy Farm.The mini rhizotron tool at the Illinois Energy Farm.Visitors check out a soil study area at the Illinois Energy Farm.CABBI researchers enjoy a food truck meal.Brian Jacobson (on ladder) gives CABBI personnel a tour of the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois.
June 21:
Director Andrew Leakey offers opening remarks.Theme Leader Huimin Zhao provides an update on Conversion.Conversion Postdoc Shraddha Maitra offers some industry-relevant CABBI research highlights.Feedstock Production Co-PI Dan Rokhsar presents a ‘Bioenergy 101’ talk.Strategic Advisory Board members discuss industry priorities in the world of bioenergy.The 2023 Research Internship in Sustainable BioEnergy cohort is introduced.The 2023 Research Internship in Sustainable BioEnergy cohort.A cross-theme session on field trials.A cross-theme session on artificial intelligence.CABBI graduate students discuss their bioenergy research experience.The evening poster session is a great chance to meet and mix with people from other themes and institutions.The evening poster session is a great chance to meet and mix with people from other themes and institutions.The evening poster session is a great chance to meet and mix with people from other themes and institutions.The evening poster session is a great chance to meet and mix with people from other themes and institutions.
June 22:
A small group meeting on the patio outside the I Hotel.CABBI Director Andrew Leakey hands Shivali Banerjee her award for best poster at the retreat — the second straight year she has won.The CABBI Executive Committee and members of the Strategic Advisory Board who attended the retreat.
