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where science meets society

Where Science Meets Society

Learn More About IGB

The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) is an innovative research institute using cutting-edge genomic practices to tackle large-scale global challenges currently facing humanity.

Food security for a growing population. Effective therapeutic drugs and antibiotics. Automated synthesis of new molecules and proteins. Using a team-based, collaborative science approach, researchers at the IGB are addressing these and other complex issues. Our main areas of research below are each supported by our strong commitment to fundamental science – the pursuit of discovery.

Health & Wellness

Health +
Wellness

How the genome enhances, affects, or disrupts physical and mental wellbeing.

Health & Wellness Research

Technology & Socety

Tech +
Society

Advancing our capability to shape the world and capacity to understand each other.

Tech & society research

Agriculture & Energy

Ag +
Energy

Sustainably feeding and fueling a planet impacted by a changing global climate.

Ag & Energy Research

Outreach & Public Engagement

Outreach &
Public Engagement

Encouraging the public to understand how genomics affects daily life and society.

Outreach programs

IGB 2025 Annual Report

Spotlight

Science is here.

Read the 2025 IGB Annual Report

Featured Stories

Tracy Parish is the IGB's Director of External Relations and Strategic Partnerships
From left to right: Sarah Schwartz, Iyke Nnaji, Shah-Al Emran, Jacob Kinsey, Cindy Yang, Zhengyi Zhang, Siun Lee, Frithjof Gressmann, and Abhishek Pandey / Kelly Darr
A robot positions "bloccs" for assembly via automated, iterative carbon-carbon bond formation. Credit: Molecule Maker Lab
 A machine-learning labeled cross-section of a sorghum leaf generated with microCT imaging. / James Fischer
Tracy Lawson
Zeynep Madak-Erdogan (left) and Erik Nelson / Cancer Center at Illinois