IUCRC Phase I Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI): Center for Insect Biomanufacturing and Innovation (CIBI)

Indiana University, Bloomington IN

Investigators

Abstract

This Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) Phase I Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI): Center for Insect Biomanufacturing and Innovation (CIBI) represents a first of its kind IUCRC to support the animal nutrition and human food industries that go beyond conventional protein sources currently available. At current rates of population growth, traditional agriculture will be under intense pressure to meet protein demands. Insect farming can increase the food supply for both animals and humans. In addition, sustainable and cost effective methods for remediating agricultural waste while producing high value protein is essential to the long term health of ecosystems and agriculture. Select insects can take waste, such as that produced in agro-ecosystems or urban environments, and convert it into protein and compost. Industry can utilize the knowledge created in the center to further explore the use of insect protein, with suitable regulatory approvals, as food for humans and animals. Thus, insect-farming and its innovations could represent a circular economy, which reduces land and/or water use and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Insect farming may also relieve the stress imposed on marine and agricultural resources to generate protein for food and animal feed. The IUCRC Phase I Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI): Center for Insect Biomanufacturing and Innovation (CIBI) will be comprised of three sites (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis [IUPUI], Texas A&M AgriLife Research [TAMU], and Mississippi State University [MSU]), with each site specializing in a specific area of research. TAMU will serve as the lead site for the center. The sites will work collaboratively to deliver Industry desired fundamental research into the genetics/genomics of the insect systems, evaluating the heritability of traits, and a determination of the genetic contribution to traits, allowing for future optimization of mass production. Through this research, new knowledge and technologies that fill critical scientific and industrial gaps that relate to the insect farming as related to livestock and aquaculture production and for insects for human consumption. Laboratory and field-based experiments will also engage interdisciplinary expertise in microbiology, engineering, chemistry, food nutrition, physiology, and vertebrate biology with cutting edge technologies. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.