With a new method to synthesize a popular pain-relieving medication from plants rather than fossil fuels, researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center have found a way to relieve two headaches at once.

Bernard Lesieutre and his colleagues are studying patterns of activity across the electric grid to monitor grid stability and recognize risky conditions before problems strike.

With a few genetic tweaks, a soil bacterium with an appetite for hydrocarbons shows promise as a biological factory for converting tough plant fibers into a replacement for petroleum-based plastics.

Daniel Amador-Noguez is learning how living organisms transform nutrients into energy and an array of useful chemicals.

Christos Maravelias and his collaborators have developed a method to identify plant-based compounds that hold promise as potential replacements for petrochemicals.

A team from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center have developed an efficient and economically feasible process to produce a versatile plant-derived chemical considered crucial for building a renewable economy.

This year, two groups of UW–Madison alums and their grandchildren became energy experts at the Wisconsin Energy Institute during Grandparents University.

We asked six impressive students at UW–Madison how they became interested in pursuing a career in an energy field and how their research and education at UW–Madison may impact their future.

This year, the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center hosted 11 undergraduate students in bioenergy labs during the summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program.

Elementary and middle school students from around the state gathered at WEI for the 2019 KidWind Challenge to construct their own model wind turbines and compete to produce the most energy.

Researchers at WEI are developing the knowledge and technology to transition society to clean energy systems and solutions. It’s Allison Bender’s job to make sure that knowledge doesn’t stay behind campus doors. 

Anne-Sophie Bohrer, a WEI partner and postdoctoral research associate at Michigan State University in plant biology, spoke with us about biofuels, genetics, and the intersection of scientific discovery and outreach.

When Hurricane Sandy knocked out the power in parts of New York City in 2012, one building provided electricity, heat, and water to 1,500 people thanks to microgrid technology developed in part at UW–Madison. 

Elektrifi, a UW–Madison spinoff and student-led startup, is working to increase the reliability of microgrid service in India and around the world.

With funding from the National Dairy Council, WEI researchers are applying knowledge from the biofuels industry to the dairy sector, turning underutilized material into profitable goods.

Rob Anex is lending his techno-economic analysis expertise to the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture as a member of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee.

Many WEI investigators, experts, and affiliates received honors and awards in 2019 for their work.

We wouldn't miss the chance to express our gratitude to the hundreds of passionate members of the WEI community who passed through our doors to attend an event, tour, talk, or meeting in the past year.