PRI is excited to be an exhibitor at this year’s AGU conference in San Fransisco, California!
About PRI
The Prairie Research Institute conducts transformative research that provides innovative, at-scale solutions for a society undergoing climate and energy transitions. PRI unites scientific expertise in geology, ecology and biodiversity, archaeology, hydrology and water, weather and climate, pollution prevention, and sustainable energy to benefit the people, economy, and environment of Illinois, the nation, and the world.
PRI comprises five state scientific surveys: the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey, Illinois State Water Survey, and Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. PRI also oversees the Illinois Water Resources Center, which works with scientists, water professionals, and communities to address water resource challenges.
PRI is active in every part of Illinois and is particularly connected to the communities and ecosystems from Lake Michigan to southern Illinois where the institute maintains permanent field stations. However, scientists at PRI generate a much larger research footprint by collaborating with researchers all over the globe.
The Institute’s FY22 research expenditures exceeded $65 million, representing more than 8% of all research expenditures at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. PRI’s research aligns with multiple U.N. Sustainability Goals and National Academy of Engineering grand challenges. PRI’s expertise and extensive data resources are vital resources to help the state of Illinois:
- develop sustainable energy solutions,
- keep drinking water safe,
- identify geologic and mineral resources
- fight the spread of invasive species,
- expand and update transportation infrastructure,
- mitigate risks from flooding and other natural hazards,
- fight agricultural pests,
- combat diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes,
- protect groundwater and natural preserves,
- identify water resource problems and help communities develop solutions,
- protect the ecosystems and communities along the Lake Michigan coast
For recent news about PRI follow this link: https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7447.
PRI at AGU
Want to learn more about PRI’s current scientific research? Don’t miss the sessions, talks, and posters by PRI scientists, arranged by day here.
Connect with PRI
Subscribe to PRI’s newsletter here: https://groups.webservices.illinois.edu/subscribe/50156. Also be sure to follow us on social media to hear about recent job opportunities, publications, and more!
Work with PRI
Interested in working for PRI? Find out about open job opportunities here: https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/
If you are interested in collaborating with a PRI expert, contact Associate Director for Research Brian Pianfetti.
Student Opportunities
PRI offers many opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and engage in professional and career development activities. More than 150 undergraduate and graduate students every year participate in programs to gain experience using ground-penetrating radar to analyze archaeological sites, using drones to investigate erosion, monitoring endangered and threatened species using innovative techniques, monitoring water and soil for contaminants, and more.
For undergraduates: https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/pri-undergraduate-internship-program/