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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 by 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 5, 2023:  CARBONDALE BREW FEST

Southern Illinois University's Fermentation Science Institute is partnering with Carbondale Main Street and Southern Illinois Brewers for the 8th CarbondALE Brew Fest in 2023!

CarbondALE Brew Fest will be held in the Town Square Pavilion on Friday, May 5th rain or shine from 6pm-9pm with early entry for VIP and an after party at Buckwater Brew Works & Hangar 9 beginning at 9pm.

Advance tickets are $25 for General Admission and include a souvenir tasting glass and tastes, $45 for VIP, which include a premium tasting glass, tastes, early entry to the Fest and more! Pricing will be $30 for General Admission and $50 VIP at the door!

For more information, please visit carbondalebrewfest.com/

PAST EVENTS:

May 16-19, 2022: Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production

The Craft Maltsters Guild will be holding 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.

The Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production is scheduled for May 16-19, 2022. Find the program details and registration link here.

Unlike previous years, this year’s class will be taking 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.