Annual Science Retreat 2023: Celebrating Successes, Refining CABBI Goals

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. Clicking will enlarge photos and open a caption for more information.

June 22

June 21

June 20