SouthernTECH 2025 will take place in the Gower Translational Research Center (formerly McLafferty Annex), which is home to BioLaunch and other facilities. (SIU Carbondale photo)
January 27, 2025
Sign up now for SIU’s SouthernTECH, connecting research and real-world application
UPDATE: SouthernTECH 2025: Advancing SIU Research, Building Businesses, Igniting Smart Growth conference, originally scheduled for Feb. 11, is being postponed until March 4.
CARBONDALE, Ill. — SouthernTECH 2025: Advancing SIU Research, Building Businesses, Igniting Smart Growth is a conference created to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application, and it’s happening at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Feb. 11.
Regional business leaders who want to stay ahead of industry trends, government agency partners, graduate students interested in exploring innovative ideas and potential career paths, and university faculty, staff and administrators who are committed to the advancement of translational research and business development are encouraged to attend the event focusing on biotechnology and innovative logistics. It is set for 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Gower Translational Research Center (formerly McLafferty Annex), 1785 University Press Drive, Carbondale.
Diverse, intriguing topics
The event, which coincides with National Inventors’ Day, will offer participants informative discussions and sessions and expert insights along with details about resource opportunities. Participants will be given insights into government programs that facilitate the translation of academic research into practical, real-life applications and solutions.
New initiatives and opportunities available through the Department of Defense Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs will be highlighted by Regina “Gina” Sims, director of the SBIR/STTR office.
The focus sessions will feature campus experts spotlighting SIU research, innovation and development.
Morning sessions will focus on biotechnology:
- Yong Gao, professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences, novel carbon-based ionic materials for fuel cells CO2 separation and other clean energy projects.
- Scott Hamilton-Brehm, associate professor of microbiology, the effects of biostimulants made from processing manure and microalgae, innovative fertilizers for Southern Illinois agriculture.
- Lahiru Jayakody, assistant professor of microbiology, next-generation engineered microbes to manufacture high-value products from waste carbon and new product opportunities from waste materials.
- Punit Kohli, professor and distinguished scholar in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences, broad microbial and viral decontamination with electrically polarized surfaces and applications to agriculture, food and medicine.
Afternoon sessions will focus on innovative technology:
- Ken Anderson, geology professor, agrivoltaics in Southern Illinois, opportunities for revenue growth by combining solar energy and food production.
- Drew Croxell, professor and director of automotive technology, how advancements in the transportation sector can open new possibilities in the future of logistics and sustainable energy.
- Greg DeYong, associate professor of management, by-product synergy and waste reduction – when does reducing waste increase sales and profits?
- Kyle Plunkett, professor and vice chair of the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences, organic materials for electronics and carbon capture, the promise of flexible solar cells.
There will also be panel discussions moderated by Gary Kinsel, professor of chemical and biomolecular sciences and director of the SIU Cannabis Center, featuring experts in residence and industry representatives sharing their insights. The National Science Foundation will provide a working lunch for participants.
Register now
The SIU Research Park, the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU and the Office of Innovation and Economic Development’s Experts-in-Residence Program are hosting the event.
The conference is part of the APEX Accelerator’s eTech Talks series, which brings experts to the community to discuss emerging technologies. Qualifying businesses and individuals can also access no-cost consultations and valuable resources through the Experts-in-Residence program.
For more information about SouthernTECH 2025 or the APEX Accelerator, email APEXaccelerator@siu.edu or call 618-536-2355.