About Us

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Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025, 01:28 PM

About Us

The Fermentation Science Institute supports regional and national needs by advancing knowledge in fermentation and through our educational programs, research, and outreach activities, including the production and analysis of alcoholic beverages, fermented foods, and industrial fermentation. Current facilities include teaching and laboratory space, a certified 3rd party testing facility, as well as current and pending pilot facilities for malting, brewing, distilling, and fermented foods.

Capabilities are being further expanded bythe  establishment of the Illinois Food, Entrepreneurship, Research and Manufacturing (iFERM) Hub of the Illinois Innovation Network. Leveraging the new Institute, SIU’s Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Science is one of 7 programs recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.

Events

  • CarbondALE Brew Fest

    Southern Illinois University's Fermentation Science Institute is partnering with Carbondale Main Street and Southern Illinois Brewers for the annual CarbondALE Brew Fest.

    Carbondale Brew Fest will be held in the Town Square Pavilion, rain or shine.

    For more information, please visit carbondalebrewfest.com and check back for details on the amazing things planned for the 10th annual festival next year.

  • Past Event: Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production

    The Craft Maltsters Guild held the Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production, offered in collaboration with the program's teachers Hugh Alexander, owener and operator of Scotland's Balnamoon Maltings & Brewery, and Hannah Turner, Director of Montana State University Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab at Southern Illinois University's Fermentation Science Institute. This course will give participants the opportunity to apply their learning on-site at FSI's pilot malting facility.

    Unlike previous years, this year’s class took place at a malting facility. The university’s malthouse, aptly-named Saluki Malt after the school’s mascot, is also a Guild Member Malthouse. This unexpected shift has opened the door for opportunity and will provide a unique hands-on learning experience. Matt McCarroll, Director of the Fermentation Science Institute, where the class will take place, is particularly excited about sharing his facility with the students in the course. 

    “I was a student in the class when it was hosted at Virginia Tech in 2018, and the experiences and knowledge I gained were immensely helpful as we established our own malting operations,” said McCarroll. “We look forward to opening our doors and sharing our facilities to help others advance their knowledge and careers in malting, especially with the capability for students to gain hands-on experience with our student-run malthouse.” 

    Hannah Turner, co-teacher of this year’s class, agreed that the value of an in-person malting experience would add to the class. 

    “The facility at SIU is an actual Guild Member Malthouse,” said Turner. “So, it’s not the typical educational opportunity. People will be able to apply what they learn directly. I think it’s going to be the best edition of the course yet.”

    Contact Guild Executive Director, Jesse Bussard, at director@craftmalting.com with questions about the Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production. 

    SIU's Fermentation Science Institute Saluki Malt is a proud member of the Craft Maltsters Guild.