The 2026 BDDC summer picnic was a joint event bringing together members of the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) and members of Professor Stefano Gregori’s group at Elora Gorge Conservation Area on August 19, 2026.The picnic provided an opportunity for members of both groups to spend time together outside the research environment and enjoy a day of outdoor activities, nature, fun, and conversation. It was also an opportunity to pause, celebrate the team’s hard work and achievements, and reflect on a productive year of research and collaboration.The event offered a refreshing break and a chance for colleagues to connect and strengthen the sense of community that supports their work at the University of Guelph. ...
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A review from researchers at the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), University of Guelph, has been recognized as a highly cited contribution to the growing field of food waste valorization. The review, “A Review on the Challenges and Choices for Food Waste Valorization: Environmental and Economic Impacts,” examines how food waste can be converted into value-added products while considering its environmental and economic impacts. With approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of edible food lost or wasted each year globally, the study highlights the potential of valorization to support a more circular approach to resource management. The review also emphasizes that successful food waste valorization requires more than technological innovation. Environmental, economic, and social factors must be considered together, with collaboration among researchers, industry, and policymakers playing an important role. The growing number of citations for this work reflects increasing interest in developing sustainable approaches to food waste management and resource recovery. DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.2c00050 To learn more, read the full article here......
A $1-million gift from The WB Family Foundation will help University of Guelph researchers develop the next generation of sustainable materials while strengthening Ontario’s growing bioeconomy. The investment in the University’s Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) will support research that transforms renewable resources, agricultural and forestry byproducts, as well as agro-forestry residues and waste plastics into innovative alternatives to petroleum-based materials.“The work being carried out at the BDDC is becoming increasingly important in addressing the challenges associated with climate change and environmental stewardship,” says Brian Beamish of The WB Family Foundation. “It also helps strengthen Canada’s leadership in the growing bioeconomy and sustainable materials sector.” Launched in 2008, the BDDC brings together researchers in engineering, chemistry, physics, food and plant science to develop sustainable materials for applications including automotive components and packaging. “This gift will greatly enhance our research capacity in developing sustainable materials, help attract talent and support innovations and new applied technologies for a more sustainable future,” says Dr. Amar Mohanty, director of the BDDC. U of G President Dr. Rene Van Acker says this gift will strengthen the BDDC’s leadership in research and innovation, helping advance its work for the benefit of people and the planet. “This investment reflects the strength of the interdisciplinary research happening at the University of Guelph. Through the BDDC, researchers bring together expertise from across the University to develop innovative, practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.” Dr. John Cranfield, dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, said the investment will help the Centre continue delivering research with global impact. “The BDDC has built a global reputation for transforming agricultural and natural resources into innovative, sustainable solutions,” says Cranfield. “This investment will strengthen the Centre’s research capacity, accelerate discovery and support innovations that create environmental and economic benefits in Ontario, across Canada and around the world.” Heather Beamish of The WB Family Foundation said the gift reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting research and innovation. “The research taking place at the BDDC has the potential to advance sustainable innovation while generating meaningful economic benefits for the region,” she said. “As demand for more sustainable material solutions continues to grow, research and innovation will play an increasingly important role in meeting those needs.” The WB Family Foundation is a Canadian private foundation that supports initiatives in education, health care, research and community development. The Foundation has a longstanding commitment to fostering innovation and supporting initiatives that contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Canada. To read the University of Guelph news article, visit this link. ...
Prof. Amar K. Mohanty delivered the opening night keynote, "Waste-to-Value: Sustainable Materials Innovation for Addressing Everyday Waste Challenges", for the University of Guelph's SHAD program on July 8, 2026.SHAD is a month-long summer program that brings high-achieving Grade 10 and 11 students to university campuses across Canada for STEAM, leadership, and entrepreneurship programming. Approximately 80 students attended the University of Guelph opening night, along with university student leaders and the SHAD University of Guelph team. The keynote launched the SHAD Design Entrepreneurship Challenge, themed "How might we reimagine the lifecycle of everyday goods to minimize waste and drive sustainable innovation in Canada?"During his keynote, Prof. Mohanty shared his expertise and experience in sustainable materials innovation to address everyday waste challenges. The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer discussion with the students. To learn more about SHAD, visit this link......
Representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) visited the BDDC on June 26, 2026, for a tour of the Centre's research facilities.The visit provided the OMAFA representatives with an overview of the BDDC's research on sustainable materials, biobased products, and the circular bioeconomy. During the tour, the visitors explored the Centre's laboratories, pilot-scale facilities, and growth chamber, where they learned about ongoing research and technology development supporting sustainable agricultural and bioindustrial innovations.The OMAFA representatives included Sofia Rodriguez Ocana, Kent Williams, Tamara Fernandes, Sami Zaher, Lucas Beghin, Kellie Johnston, Christine Wenger, Eric Sinker, Shain Cameron, Aysha Basharat, Milica Velemir, Bozena Symanski, Roy Ahiati, Siva Mailvaganam, John Molenhuis, Julio Mendoza, Noah Berry, and Scott Jorgensen.The tour was hosted by members of the BDDC. ...
Professor Manjusri Misra contributed to the 50th edition of the Prem Jain Distinguished Lecture Series, titled 'Scaling Sustainability: The Next 5 Years of Climate Action', held virtually on June 26, 2026. The milestone session celebrated the successful completion of 49 Green Lecture sessions featuring distinguished industry leaders, academicians, sustainability experts, and thought leaders. The event brought together previous speakers from the first 49 lectures in the series for an interactive celebration to reflect on key learnings, exchange perspectives on sustainability, and strengthen the sustainability community built through the lecture series. The Distinguished Lecture Series is organized by the Prem Jain Memorial Trust (PJMT) and supported by Bry-Air. For more information, click here......
Funded Graduate Opportunities - PhD/M.A.Sc./MEng in Interdisciplinary Engineering*This graduate opportunity is for graduate students pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering for the following research areas:Bioplastics and Biobased PolymersBiocomposites (Natural Fibre Composites) and Polymer BlendsGreen Composites including Recyclability, Durability and Biodegradability StudiesBiobased Nanocomposites and Nanoblends3D Printing of Bioplastics and BiocompositesBiomass and Biomaterials SustainabilityBiomedical Applications for Bioplastics and BiocompositesValue-added Biobased Materials from the Coproducts/Byproducts of Biofuel IndustriesBiodegradability (Compostability)For entry into the Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Engineering program, candidates must hold a thesis-based Master’s degree in engineering.For entry in the M.A.Sc./MEng programs, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. Please see the <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/future/international/english" target="_blank">chart</a> for acceptable tests and required scores. Please refer to the School of Engineering <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/engineering/grad/application-process" target="_blank">website</a> for department requirements.Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the positions are filled.A preliminary selection will be made based on the interviews to qualify the prospective candidate to apply for graduate studies at the University of Guelph. Selection does guarantee acceptance for graduate studies.How to ApplyApplication to the BDDC Selection CommitteePlease send your application package to bddcjobs@uoguelph.ca. Your application package must contain the below mentioned documents and labelled accordingly:COVER LETTER(File Name: Last Name_Cover Letter_Date)Outline qualifications for the specific position applied (i.e. Ph.D. Student)Indicate the earliest date of availability, if selected TWO-PAGE SUMMARY(File Name: Last Name_Summary_Date)Outline your interest and motivation to work in the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC). Include how your educational and work background will help you to succeed on the topics researched at BDDC (information can be found on the website https://bioproductscentre.com/ ). How do you plan to learn about the aspects of the BDDC research you don't know. CV (CURRICULUM VITAE) [Organized Reverse Chronologically – Most Recent to Oldest] (File Name: Last Name_CV_Date):Education & Work Experience - Include high school information (Include: start and end date - MONTH and YEAR)Thesis title of your degree(s) (if applicable)Name of adviser for your degree(s) (if applicable)Percent average or GPA (if including GPA please provide what it is out of i.e. 4.36/5.0)Summary of time off taken between degrees starting from high schoolList of courses during your education most relevant to this position and grades obtained for each courseEnglish Language Proficiency results and sub-category breakdown (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) Include date or expected date of Exam (Exams must have been taken within the last 2 years)List of your publications organized by degree If you are NOT the First Author indicate your contributions If you have any submitted manuscripts, please include your email confirmation from the journal) List of your conference presentationsContact information for three references YOUR SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION(S) (File Name: Last Name_Publication#_Date) *Please provide each publication as a separate file in PDF formatPublication Number(s) should correspond with the list number in your CVThe research component of the graduate student position will be conducted within the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), University of Guelph. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with senior scientists from different areas (materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer chemistry, packaging, and plant agriculture) and will have the chance to work collaboratively with industrial partners.At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to the further diversification of our Institution. If you have any questions, please contact bddcjobs@uoguelph.ca.Supervised by: Professor Amar Mohantyhttps://www.bioproductscentre.com/director Professor Manjusri Misrawww.uoguelph.ca/engineering/people/manjusri-misra-phdWe thank all applicants who apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted......
On June 22nd, 2026, 37 individuals from the OMAFA Finance Branch and the Treasury Board Secretariat visited the BDDC to learn more about the centre and it’s research accomplishment. As a larger tour highlighting exciting, current U of G research, the OMAFA delegation first visited the Guelph Food Innovation Centre, the Meat Lab. To finish their day, the OMAFA group visited the BDDC to tour and learn about bioproducts and their development. Prof. Mohanty gave a short presentation, and BDDC members Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, Dr. Debarshi Nath and Dr. Matias Mennossi facilitated tours. ...
A delegation of visiting researchers from the International Institute on Bioeconomy and Environment (EXEBIO) (Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, France) visited the University of Guelph on June 15th, 2026 As part of the full day meeting, EXEBIO delegates were invited to tour the BDDC facilities and partake in discussions surrounding biobased and biodegradable materials’ impact and current research. The EXEBIO delegation included six members: Prof. Emmanuel Guillon, President, EXEBIO Institute Prof. Stephan Dorey, Leader of the EXEBIO work package on Research Excellence Prof. Stéphanie Sayen, Graduate School EXEBIO Member Dr. Sandrine Dhondt-Cordelier, Assistant Professor, Graduate School EXEBIO Member Dr. Jean-Luc Petitjean, Assistant Professor, Leader of the EXEBIO work package on innovation and partnership Mr. Nicolas Paulien, International Strategy Officer, EXEBIO institute The tour was led by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, Dr. Ehsan Pesaranhajiabbas, Reshma Krishnan, Zack Jamha and Dr. Milka Popov. ...
Profs. Misra and Mohanty attended the 41st International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-41) in Paestum, Salerno, Italy, from May 31st to June 4th, 2026. The conference gathered distinguished academics, researchers and industry professionals to partake in discussions and showcase their work in the areas of polymer processing, sustainability and technology advances. Prof. Mohanty presented a keynote lecture on June 1st, titled “Circular economy driven sustainable green composites: Can biodegradable plastics alleviate single-use plastic waste problem?”. Additionally, Prof. Mohanty acted as a Sessional Chair for the session titled “Sustainability”. Prof. Misra received the James L. White Innovation Award from PPS – an award given to researchers and innovators for cutting edge work in the science and technology of polymer processing which has made major commercial impact. With this award, Prof. Misra was invited to give a plenary lecture on June 3rd, in which she presented “Sustainable Polymeric Materials for a Circular Economy”. Pictured: Volker Altstädt, President of the Polymer Processing Society (left), Prof. Misra (middle) and Paula Moldenaers, professor emeritus at KU Leuven (right)To learn more about the conference, visit this link. To learn more about the James L. White Award and previous awardees, visit this link. ...
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