1. Berkeley Bioeconomy Conference 2026 2. Seminar Series Part 6: Turning Methane into Clean Hydrogen 3. Congratulations to David Zilberman, AAAS Fellow! 4. International Bioeconomy & Macroalgae Center (IBMC) Second Annual Workshop 5. Blog 6. EBI Recharge Facility 7. EBI Business Incubator 8. Job Opportunities 9. SF Climate Week 2026 10. 2026 Berkeley Corporate + Climate Summit [Virtual] 11. UIUC: Engineered yeast gives the U.S. a green edge in the critical minerals market 12. UIUC: Shrinking the carbon footprint of chemical manufacturing with lasers, solar radiation 13. Science Daily: Scientists discover tiny ocean fungus that kills toxic algae
14. UC Berkeley CED: UC Berkeley’s mass timber research is impacting the decarbonization of California’s construction industry 15. UIUC: New study finds deep ocean microbes already prepared to tackle climate change
16. Reuters: Brazilian city trials new biofuel aimed at replacing diesel entirely |
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Berkeley Bioeconomy Conference 2026 |
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Over two days at the UC Berkeley Alumni House, the Energy & Biosciences Institute convened researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders for the Berkeley Bioeconomy Conference, advancing dialogue on building a sustainable, bio-based economy. Programming spanned a wide range of topics, including gene editing, macroalgae systems, circular technologies, forest-based bioeconomy strategies, sustainable fuels, and the evolving role of AI and policy in accelerating innovation.
The conference reinforced the critical role of cross-sector partnerships in advancing scalable climate solutions and shaping a more resilient, low-carbon future. The EBI extends its appreciation to all who contributed and participated, and looks forward to continuing this important work. |
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Congratulations to David Zilberman, AAAS Fellow! |
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We are delighted to congratulate EBI’s own David Zilberman, Professor of the Graduate School in Agricultural & Resource Economics at UC Berkeley, on his election as a 2025 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). David was recognized for introducing novel economic models to address fundamental questions in agricultural, environmental, and resource economics, and for his influential contributions to public policy. This lifetime honor is a testament to the lasting impact of his scholarship and leadership. |
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Seminar Series Part 6: Turning Methane into Clean Hydrogen |
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We are excited to announce the sixth installment of Biomass to Breakthrough, the EBI Seminar Series. In this session, we sit down with Ji Su of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, whose work focuses on designing catalysts at the atomic level to improve clean energy conversion. Together, we explore methane pyrolysis, breaking down how the process works at the molecular level and what it could mean for a lower-carbon energy future.
We hope you enjoy this series and all that it will cover. Please share with students and anyone else who might be interested! Stay tuned for upcoming installments and insights from innovators turning biomass into the breakthroughs of tomorrow. |
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The International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Center (IBMC) 2nd Annual Meeting |
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The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is pleased to host the upcoming annual conference of the International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Center (IBMC), taking place on the 10th and 11th of June 2026 in Oban, Scotland, UK. This two-day event will bring together research and industry representatives from across the seaweed supply chain to encourage dialogue, share insights, and foster future collaborations.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the organising team: Dr. Puja Kumari (puja.kumari@sams.ac.uk) and Dr. Kati Michalek (kati.michalek@sams.ac.uk) |
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A new blog post is coming soon. David will share fresh insights and thoughtful perspectives drawn from his latest work, travel, and experience. Readers can look forward to engaging analysis and practical takeaways that reflect his deep expertise and ongoing contributions to the field. |
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Join one of the world’s leading scientific institutions to shape the future of U.S. energy policy. LBNL’s Energy Analysis division is seeking a senior researcher to lead projects on electricity system planning, utility regulation, large load integration, and energy affordability. You’ll advise regulators and utilities, manage a small team, secure funding, and publish policy-relevant research. Ideal candidates bring 8–12+ years of experience in energy policy, electric utility regulation, or grid planning. |
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Position available for Lecturer Pool – Energy and Resources Group – Rausser College of Natural Resources |
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UC Berkeley’s Energy and Resources Group (ERG) is building a pool of temporary lecturers to teach courses spanning energy, resources, and sustainability. ERG is known for its interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching at the intersection of environment and equity. Responsibilities include teaching, advising students, holding office hours, and developing course materials. An advanced degree is required; a PhD and prior college-level teaching experience are preferred. Rolling applications accepted through September 30, 2026. |
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SF Climate Week 2026 is almost here—bringing together 25,000+ attendees, 1,000+ organizations, and 700+ events across the Bay Area. From the Accelerating the Transition Conference to the Energy Summit and hands-on showcases in San Francisco and Oakland, it’s a full week of ideas, innovation, and real climate solutions. Whether you’re into policy, design, tech, or community action, this is where the future of climate work comes to life. Register for these events soon at the link below! |
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2026 Berkeley Corporate + Climate Summit [Virtual] |
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Corporations face a period of profound transition. Regulations are rapidly evolving, internal teams are being reorganized, capital markets are redefining materiality, and AI is reshaping sustainability data. This conference brings together leaders across sectors to assess where corporate sustainability is heading and what credible governance requires in 2026 and beyond. |
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UIUC: Engineered yeast gives the U.S. a green edge in the critical minerals market |
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Engineered yeast could help the U.S. build a cleaner, domestic supply of rare-earth elements critical for electronics and clean energy. Researchers developed a strain that produces oxalic acid from sugar, enabling extraction of over 99% of rare earths from low-grade ore. The study includes Huimin Zhao, a former EBI Principal Investigator, and highlights a promising but still scaling-stage sustainable alternative to conventional mining methods. |
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UIUC: Shrinking the carbon footprint of chemical manufacturing with lasers, solar radiation |
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Researchers are using solar energy and lasers to power a key chemical reaction, offering a cleaner way to produce materials used in plastics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Led by Prashant Jain, a former EBI-Shell Principal Investigator, the study shows how light-driven chemistry can reduce energy use, eliminate harsh byproducts, and cut carbon emissions. As Jain notes, “our new method could mark a significant advance in both the chemical manufacturing industry and in the study of electrochemistry in general,” though scaling the technology remains the next hurdle. |
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Science Daily: Scientists discover tiny ocean fungus that kills toxic algae |
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Scientists have discovered a newly identified marine fungus that can infect and kill toxic algae responsible for harmful blooms. The microscopic parasite, named Algophthora mediterranea, attacks algae such as Ostreopsis cf. ovata, which produces toxins that can irritate the lungs, skin, and eyes of people exposed during coastal blooms. Remarkably, the fungus can infect several different algae species and even survive on pollen, suggesting it is far more adaptable than most known marine parasites |
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UC Berkeley CED: UC Berkeley’s mass timber research is impacting the decarbonization of California’s construction industry |
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UC Berkeley research is helping scale mass timber as a low-carbon alternative to steel and concrete in California’s construction industry. Led by Paul Mayencourt, the work has enabled Mad River Mass Timber to produce dowel-laminated timber from underused and fire-damaged wood, supporting forest health and affordable housing. The approach shows how design and industry partnerships can reduce emissions, mitigate wildfire risk, and build a more sustainable construction economy. |
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UIUC: New study finds deep ocean microbes already prepared to tackle climate change |
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A new study finds that deep-ocean microbes may already be adapting to climate change, offering resilience in warming, nutrient-limited waters. Led by Wei Qin, researchers discovered that Nitrosopumilus maritimus can maintain — and potentially enhance — its role in ocean nitrogen cycling despite rising temperatures and low iron availability. Because these microbes make up a significant share of marine plankton, their adaptability could help stabilize ocean ecosystems as the climate continues to shift. |
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Reuters: Brazilian city trials new biofuel aimed at replacing diesel entirely |
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A city in southern Brazil is piloting a new biofuel that can fully replace diesel in municipal vehicles without engine modifications. Developed by Be8, the fuel—made from soy, animal fats, and used oils—aims to cut carbon emissions and reduce reliance on imported diesel amid global energy volatility. Leaders in Passo Fundo expect costs to fall as production scales, positioning the fuel as a competitive, lower-carbon alternative. |
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