ISTC’s diverse research portfolio promotes cleaner energy, cleaner water, and zero waste by reusing or repurposing what we can to increase sustainability in Illinois and beyond.
Featured Programs
Net-Zero Center of Excellence
Established in 2024 by the Prairie Research Institute, the Net-Zero Center of Excellence unites academia, industry, government, and global stakeholders to accelerate the development and adoption of net-zero technologies.
Visit the Net-Zero Center of Excellence’s website to learn more.
Illinois Coastal Management Program
ISTC experts assist the Illinois Coastal Management Program with pollution prevention, sustainable development, technical assistance, program development, engagement, and outreach.
Learn more about our work with the Illinois Coastal Management Program.
Topics
Energy
ISTC conducts applied research in biofuels, renewable energy storage, and carbon capture.
Explore our energy research areas.
Pollutants
ISTC anticipates emerging contaminants and develops treatment and prevention solutions to safeguard natural resources and public health.
Read about our work on pollutants.
Waste Utilization
ISTC advances waste minimization and material recovery through projects that turn waste plastics into new resources, convert biomass to fuels, and develop beneficial uses for biochar.
Browse our waste utilization work.
Water Use and Reuse
ISTC drives sustainable water management by exploring ways to conserve and safely reuse water.
Learn about our water use and reuse research.