EPSCoRProject LocatorIowa EPSCoR

Iowa EPSCoR

Building capacity across Iowa to meet human needs from things that grow.

Funding Mechanism: Jurisdiction Office

Jurisdiction: Iowa

Institutions: Iowa State University

Program Director

Laura Jarboe

Program Director

Iowa State University

Lean more about Laura Jarboe

Chemurgy 2.0, “Building Capacity Across Iowa to Meet Human Needs from Things that Grow,” is a five-year, NSF EPSCoR–funded research and workforce development program with the vision of positioning Iowa as a leader in advanced biomanufacturing by modernizing the concept of “chemurgy”: applied chemistry with a focus on producing industrial products from agricultural material. Led by Iowa State University in partnership with four other institutions of higher education across the state, the program integrates biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and data science to strengthen Iowa’s ability to develop and produce bio-based materials.

The project focuses on three main areas: plastics for additive manufacturing (PAM), fibers for flexible and rigid materials (FFR), and proteins for diagnostics and therapeutics (PDT). These areas are connected through a shared pipeline that moves from discovery to optimization and manufacturing, with data science supporting each stage to improve efficiency and scalability.

Chemurgy 2.0 also addresses gaps in infrastructure, research capacity, and workforce development. Investments in equipment, faculty, and collaboration across universities support research growth, while education and outreach efforts expand access to research experiences, internships, and career pathways for students, including those from rural and underrepresented backgrounds. Together, these efforts strengthen Iowa’s capacity to meet human needs through sustainable, bio-based innovation.

Seed Funding Programs

Chemurgy 2.0 offers a number of seed funding opportunities to support projects that advance Iowa’s biomanufacturing goals. These calls are meant to encourage new ideas, strengthen research and workforce capacity, and support work that can grow into larger efforts. The available seed funding targets two areas: technology development and education and workforce development.

Technology Development/Technology Transfer Seed Funding (TT)
This funding supports projects focused on developing or transferring technology that has strong potential for practical use, future federal funding, and economic impact in Iowa. The exact focus may vary depending on current program goals.

Education and Workforce Development (EWD)
This funding supports projects that expand awareness of biomanufacturing and connect students and communities to career pathways. The emphasis may also shift over time based on program priorities, but the general goal is to support education, outreach, and workforce growth.

Science Communications Certificate Program

Chemurgy 2.0 has been working with the English Department at Iowa State University to enhance communication skills among the program’s graduate students. The English Department offers classes that help undergraduate students earn the Science Communication Certificate. This is an interdisciplinary program that helps students develop the skills needed to communicate scientific information clearly and effectively to public audiences. Open to students of any major, the certificate combines theory and practical experience to prepare students to engage with diverse audiences, collaborate across disciplines, and navigate the intersection of science and society. Chemurgy’s 2.0 graduate students participate in classes by presenting and discussing results of their research and how research in general impacts the larger community.

Through coursework and hands-on projects, students learn to translate complex scientific topics into accessible, audience-centered messages across a range of media platforms. The program emphasizes two-way, inclusive communication, encouraging students to consider public perspectives, address misinformation, and engage in constructive dialogue around topics in science, health, agriculture, and the environment.

Students gain experience creating accessible, easy to understand content and working with community stakeholders, while also building an understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical factors that shape science communication. The certificate culminates in a professional e-portfolio that showcases selected projects and demonstrates students’ ability to communicate science in real-world contexts.