Prairie Research Institute

Home of the Illinois State Scientific Surveys

A Message from Executive Director Bill Shilts

The Prairie Research Institute is a substantial, unique, and highly strategic asset for the state of Illinois. The Illinois State Scientific Surveys’ high-impact applied research and service continues to expand at a brisk pace, our grant and contract funding more than doubling over the past three years. During the same period, the Institute’s overall budget grew more than 50 percent, to nearly $80 million. We employ over 1000 people, and our scientists attract $4 in outside funding for every dollar received in our state appropriation.

The Institute’s annual expenditures are a significant contribution to the Illinois economy, but our impact and reach far exceed this. Our people and innovative projects put the state on sound footing to manage, adapt to, and even profit from the increasing pace of global change. Whether we are locating a secure, sustainable water supply for the collar counties of Chicago, protecting southern Illinois communities from flood losses, or demonstrating the Illinois Basin’s vast capacity to sequester carbon, the Prairie Research Institute continues to innovate and discover solutions that help keep the state’s economy, environment, and people prosperous and secure.

The Institute has long been a vital resource to the state of Illinois and to local governments, who rely on our scientists to provide expert advice and analysis on resource issues. With recent cutbacks in staff and budgets in Springfield, the Scientific Surveys have become more important than ever to many state agencies.

Our role and relationship with the University of Illinois continues to grow and deepen as well. We have seen growing collaboration and partnerships between our scientific staff and faculty that extend to all aspects of our collective work: research, grants, and publications; shared facilities, equipment, and data; seminars, colloquia, and lectures; and teaching, advising, and student employment. Many of our senior scientists ... read more of Executive Director Shilts' message

Scientific Surveys

Illinois Natural History Survey

Since 1858, the INHS has been the guardian and recorder of the biological resources of Illinois — the State's biological memory. With a staff of over 200 scientists and technicians, it is recognized as the premier natural history survey in the nation.

Illinois State Archaeological Survey

Formed February 1, 2010 as a new Division in the Prairie Research Institute, ISAS investigates, protects, preserves and interprets the rich archaeological heritage of Illinois through ITARP, the ATAM program, education, and outreach to meet long-term public needs. Drawing on more than eighty years of research at the University of Illinois, ISAS documents and preserves cultural resources within the context of sustainable economic development. The ISAS has worked with other Divisions of the Institute, in particular the Illinois State Geological Survey and the Illinois Natural History Survey, for more than twenty years on transportation and other development projects throughout Illinois.

Illinois State Geological Survey

The ISGS is a premier State Geological Survey serving the needs of Illinois with earth science information relevant to the State's environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. Some 200 scientists and technical support staff conduct basic and applied research in geology, compile geologic maps, and gather and manage the state's geological data.

Illinois State Water Survey

The ISWS has flourished for more than a century by anticipating and responding to new challenges and opportunities to serve the citizens of Illinois. Today, the ISWS continues to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by developing new programs, while continuing to provide long-standing services upon which Illinoisans have come to rely.

Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

ISTC is a change agency that performs research, spreads awareness, and facilitates implementation regarding practices, technology and systems that improve sustainability. The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (formerly the Waste Management and Research Center) has been providing assistance to Illinois businesses and the public since 1985.

History of the Scientific Surveys and ISTC

2011 Institute Annual
Report now available online.

For a printed copy please contact Angie Wisehart.

2010 Annual Report

FY2011 Institute Publications now available online.