The University of Illinois' Prairie Research Institute provides basic and applied scientific research, extensive expertise, and a wealth of objective data to benefit the people, economy, and environment of Illinois. PRI is home to the state's five surveys: Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey, Illinois State Water Survey, and Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. 

For almost 20 years, PRI’s geologists and engineers have been developing methods for the safe capture, storage, and utilization of carbon dioxide from power plants and industrial operations. This has been in response to federal and state laws requiring reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, as this byproduct of power generation has a direct link to atmospheric greenhouse gasses and climate change. 

Illinois Natural History Survey scientists partnered with the non-profit Grand Prairie Friends in 2018 to select sites for artificial bat roosts at Warbler Ridge Conservation Area. It can sometimes take years for bats to find artificial roosts, but 2020 surveys have already detected increasing bat populations at the site.

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $25 million to a three-year project led by the Prairie Research Institute that will design a next-generation power plant in Springfield, Illinois. The innovative plant design combines multiple techniques to both reduce emissions and capture and re-use carbon dioxide.

The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center has been awarded over $400,000 in EPA grants to assist manufacturers with improving their bottom line by greening their operations. Assistance under these grants is provided at no cost to participating companies.

Illinois Natural History Survey human dimensions scientist Craig Miller answered questions recently about the risks associated with using lead ammunition in hunting.

• PRI scientists bring expertise to study of critical interfaces
• Decadeslong effort revives ancient oak woodland

• Water quality in the Mahomet Aquifer: Chemical indicators of brine migration and mixing
• Solar Photovoltaic recycling and reuse program
• Hydrogeologic characterization and stream assessment at Franklin Creek State Park, Lee County, Illinois
• IDOT wetland mitigation and hydrologic monitoring sites: September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020

Dec. 1: Can restoring native muskrat populations save wetland ecosystems?
Dec. 3: Private Well Class: How to find local information and help
Dec. 4: Tracing the Angel Axis: Architectural alignments and lunar landscapes in southwestern Indiana
Dec. 8: Understanding species distributions in an increasingly rare habitat: conservation of herpetofauna in Arkansas prairies
Dec. 10: Outstanding webinars: Plan + promote + present
Dec. 15: SciComm: Communicating science beyond manuscripts
Dec. 16: Private Well Class: Private well assessment and outreach for EHPs (4-hour workshop)
Jan. 19: Freshwater mussels of Mexico: What we know so far

Visit the PRI website to see current job opportunities.