Southern Illinois University’s Fermentation Science Institute

The Fermentation Science Institute puts SIU at the forefront of research in the field. The new facility features the latest in brewing technology, a service laboratory and classroom space. It is located on the west side of campus in the McClafferty Annex Collaborative Research Facility. Fermentation science includes more than just alcohol. There will also be research in energy, pharmaceuticals, food safety, cheese making and agricultural production of feedstock.

The Fermentation Science Institute operates out of new facilities in a burgeoning science annex on the SIU campus and offers robust classes and hands-on research creating new career options for students.

The program also is enhanced by collaborative research efforts and now serves regional fermentation-related businesses while training the brewers, vintners and distillers for tomorrow’s industry. And in keeping with SIU’s commitment to cross-disciplinary research efforts, the Colleges of Science and Agricultural Sciences are partnering to provide faculty while the College of Engineering and the School of Medicine, also play roles in the institute.

The program established a Bachelor’s degree in Fermentation Science in Fall 2016. We also offer community outreach, working with everyone from the local hobby brewer to commercial brewers and vintners in the area to improve their results.