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NCERC Enters Celebrates its 20th Year of Operations in 2023

The National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville enters its 20th year of operations in 2023 after two decades of leadership in the biofuels industry. After opening its doors in October 2003, NCERC has served as the primary location for innovation in the corn ethanol industry. Now, NCERC’s clients have evolved to include companies from across the bioindustrial manufacturing sector who benefit from its unique facility and expert staff.

“I am extremely proud of all that NCERC has accomplished over the past twenty years in serving the nation’s biofuels producers and corn farmers,” said John Caupert, executive director of NCERC. “Since the Renewable Fuel Standard was signed into law, the ethanol industry flourished into a 16+ billion gallon industry and a critical part of the United States’ fuel supply, and NCERC has supported it every step of the way through providing the needed support to innovate and improve efficiency. Now, we are excited to be part of the research in establishing the new generation of corn-to-biotechnologies that will bring the same carbon reduction benefits to new industries.”

After six years of operations, NCERC’s business model evolved from publicly-funded to privately-funded in 2009 through contractual research services with companies in the private sector, which catalyzed innovation beyond the initial vision for the Center. As NCERC enters 2023, its client portfolio includes companies of all sizes exploring novel ways to convert bio-based feedstocks, such as corn, industrial hemp and Municipal Solid Waste, into chemicals, materials and products that consumers use every day.

Beyond its contractual research services, NCERC also serves its clients through industry-sponsored research projects that help to tackle industry-wide challenges and opportunities. Corporate sponsorships through companies like Siemens and Shimadzu Corporation also bolster NCERC’s ability to remain a leader in fermentation research.

Throughout NCERC’s journey, the IL Corn Marketing Board has been a key contributor and supporter to its mission. In 1992, IL Corn approached the United States Congress with the idea to open what they described at the time as an ethanol research pilot plant and worked with key policy-makers to see the concept to fruition. 

“I am so proud of the contributions NCERC has made in the U.S. ethanol industry,” said Jim Reed, chairman of IL Corn and farmer in DeLand. “Former IL Corn leaders saw a need, pursued their vision, and the end result is 20 years of corn market demand research and the expertise we can build on to grow corn market demand into the future.”

Through the 1996 Farm Bill, $14 million in funding was allotted for the construction of the facility and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity provided $7 million in matching funds to secure the center’s location in Illinois. Support for NCERC’s location in SIUE’s University Park came from Senator Dick Durbin and then-Congressman John Shimkus who led the initiative. Construction of NCERC began in October of 2001 and doors opened two years later.

“As we see today, the fight for energy continues to exist,” said Shimkus. “My push for energy security revolved around passing the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and landing NCERC on the campus of SIUE. Our country needed a place that filled the gap between desktop research and application. The NCERC has filled that gap while partnering with government, industry and interest groups.” 

In 2021, NCERC was awarded $1.9 million through the Rebuild Illinois Wet Lab Capital program by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to expand its pilot-scale fermentation capabilities. The Illinois Corn Marketing Board contributed funding to this project, which includes modification of NCERC’s existing facility to house new equipment. NCERC anticipates that the project will be completed in the fall.

To celebrate the anniversary milestone, NCERC’s leadership team plans to host a celebratory event for stakeholders and supporters on Thursday, Oct. 12. A 20th anniversary report will also be published ahead of the event and will showcase the accomplishments of the center and fond memories from years’ past.

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