Great Lakes Bioenergy (www.glbrc.org) is one of 3 Department of Energy-funded centers conducting basic, genomics-based research to acquire the fundamental knowledge of microbial, plant and agricultural systems needed to realize the potential of cellulosic biofuels. Combining innovative science, a critical mass of natural assets, and the corporate horsepower to build and advance a new bioenergy economy, Great Lakes Bioenergy is positioned to be a worldwide center of excellence for research and development of sustainable cellulosic ethanol and next generation biofuels. In support of this vision, GLBRC activities are being led by academic, national lab and industry experts in plant biology, microbiology, molecular or cell biology, biochemistry, protein design, engineering, computer sciences, systems analysis, and ecology.