Professor Manju Misra has received a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 1 position in the field of Sustainable Biocomposites from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Tier 1 chairs are considered world leaders in their field and receive $200,000 a year for seven years. For more information, please visit the University of Guelph news page.

Dr. Manju Misra

A new Tier 1 CRC in Sustainable Biocomposites will enable Dr. Manju Misra, School of Engineering, to develop next-generation materials from sustainable resources such as recycled plastics, plants, and farm and food wastes.

By creating innovative materials, she aims to reduce petroleum-based plastics in landfills, rivers, and oceans, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Her research will help in achieving a circular economy that eliminates waste and encourages resource reuse.

“The CRC program provides the impetus for our tackling major performance and technological challenges that have held back the wider applications of bio-based materials,” said Misra, co-principal of U of G’s Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre.

She said improving the properties and functionality of bio-based carbon-rich and nanomaterials will benefit various sectors, including automotive, food, and commercial packaging. The CRC will also enable her to expand national and global partnerships and collaborations, attract diverse talent to U of G and help strengthen Canadian contributions to sustainable development.