Our Annual Reports have always been a cornerstone for reflecting on our accomplishments, from new grants secured, to important findings published, to the impact of our outreach programs. This past year was also unique because we celebrated the 15-year anniversary of the IGB.
Our Annual Reports have always been a cornerstone for reflecting on our accomplishments. This year we also celebrated the 15-year anniversary of the IGB. Over those 15 years, we’ve seen how the growth of the internet and the rise of social media has fundamentally changed the way scientists connect with each other and the public about their research.
To this end, we published monthly articles on our website and social media pages highlighting the achievements of the institute, both past and present. As researchers, we recognize that it is worthwhile to take a step back and appreciate the whole picture that has been meticulously crafted one day at a time. The same holds true in our Annual Report; although each year’s accomplishments are worth recognizing, it is also important to appreciate the journey that has led us to this point.
So much has changed in the 15 years since the IGB’s establishment. The growth of the internet and the rise of social media has fundamentally changed the way scientists connect with each other and the public about their research. The importance of being clear, concise, and captivating is essential to spreading our message. Embracing and expanding this approach over the years has been a testament to our commitment to public engagement. We believe posts and pictures can tell a story in a way that words alone cannot always do. You will see this belief reflected in this year’s Annual Report, which borrows a captivating style of colorful photos paired with succinct, yet compelling, written pieces.
Looking back through our history, I am very proud of where we have come from, and who we as an institute have become. From stories about our scientific discoveries, our outreach programs both in the community and beyond, and our diversity and inclusion efforts, it’s clear that the IGB continues to be a leading source of scientific excellence and inspiration worldwide. That’s why it is my pleasure to introduce this year’s Annual Report, which is dedicated to our history as an institute. Together, the stories over the following pages describe the journey of where we started, what we’ve accomplished, and how much we have grown. I join you in looking forward to watching the IGB continue to flourish in the coming years.
The importance of being clear, concise, and captivating is essential to spreading our message, and we believe posts and pictures can tell a story in a way that words alone cannot always do. You will see this belief reflected in this year’s report, which borrows social media’s captivating style of colorful photos paired with succinct, compelling written pieces. Together, these stories describe the journey of where we started, what we’ve accomplished, and how much we have grown.
Since its inception, the IGB has been a community of faculty, students, and staff who all share the common goal of helping our institute reach its full potential.
Total number of people, 2022: 868
Over the past 15 years our researchers have been at the forefront of innovation, creating new tools that can help our future generations.
2022 Patents:
Bio-Engineered Hyper-Functional “Super” Helicases Taekjip Ha, Sinan Arslan
Biosynthesis and Engineering of Lanthipeptides Wilfred van der Donk, Ayse Okesli, Kenton J. Hetrick, Mark Walker, Xiao Yang
Since 2007, the Core Facilities at the IGB has been a state-of-the-art resource for biological microscopy and image analysis. Its core mission is to provide researchers across our campus with the tools and expertise to meet their imaging needs.
Our work is made possible by several funding agencies. We are grateful for their support and look forward to our future endeavors.
Total Fiscal Year 2007: $10,745,239
Total Fiscal Year 2022: $53,655,522
The IGB embodies its motto: Where Science Meets Society. By engaging with the public through programs and events, publications, and citizen science efforts, we ensure that our work continues to be relevant and impactful, a force for positive change in the wider world. These interactions remind IGB faculty, students and staff what motivates their research, while helping the public understand the work that goes into modern, cutting-edge research and the results that come out of it.
The IGB embodies its motto: Where Science Meets Society. By engaging with the public through programs and events, publications, and citizen science efforts, we ensure that our work continues to be relevant and impactful, a force for positive change in the wider world.
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In each IGB research theme, the common goal of a particular grand challenge in research creates synergy among diverse groups of scientists across the Illinois campus. The IGB also hosts numerous research centers, fostering collaboration with external partners.
In each IGB research theme, the common goal of a particular grand challenge in research creates synergy among diverse groups of scientists across the Illinois campus. The IGB also hosts numerous research centers, fostering collaboration with external partners.
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Gene E. Robinson
Excerpt from the Director’s Message
