This image of a bacterial cell shows lipid droplets on the exterior of the cell wall. The lipids have escaped through a cell envelope that has been modified by UW–Madison and GLBRC researchers to increase lipid production. Photo courtesy of the Donohue Lab
Who We Are
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) is a U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With Michigan State University and other partners, we are developing sustainable biofuels and bioproducts made from dedicated energy crops grown on marginal lands. Our mission is simple: creating biofuels and bioproducts that are economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Research Themes
Sustainable cropping systems
Engineering bioenergy crops to enhance their environmental and economic value
GLBRC News
Lignocellulosic biorefineries make liquid fuels out of non-food plant material, such as crop waste or trees and grasses grown just for energy. In addition to biofuel, these refineries generate energy-rich byproducts that can be a source of additional income. These side hustles not only pad the bottom line, they make biofuels more competitive by allowing refiners to sell the fuel for less money.
Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center co-investigator Vatsan Raman has been tapped to oversee research within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.