News 

On October 5-8, 2025, Prof. Amar Mohanty will be attending the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference in Montreal. He is the 2025 CIC - Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award winner and will give a lecture titled "Sustainable and Green Materials for a Circular Bioeconomy".On October 5-8, 2025, Prof. Amar Mohanty will be attending the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference in Montreal. He is the 2025 CIC - Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award winner and will give a lecture titled "Sustainable and Green Materials for a Circular Bioeconomy"....

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Join us on September 22-25, 2025 at the Americas Regional Meeting of the Polymer Processing Society, PPS 2025, held at Guelph, ON, Canada. This conference will aid to foster exchange of innovations and developments in areas related to Polymer Engineering. Please visit us on the PPS 2025 website. PPS 2025 Promo Video: <video width="540" height="310" controls poster="?ft=img/pps_thumbnail.JPG"> <source src="https://pps2025.ca/sites/default/files/2024-05/pps2025_promo_draft3%282024.05.17%29%20%281080p%29.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video>   ...

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POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITIONS AVAILABLE Current Availability: 3 PositionsLocation: University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaExpected Start Date: June 25, 2025 / Till Positions AvailableDegree Requirements: PhD degree in the field of Engineering and Science (polymer engineering, chemistry, materials) or a related disciplineSpecific Requirements: 1) Must have extensive experience in polymer processing through melt extrusion and the characterization of their properties; 2) Knowledge and a strong publication record in polymer science and engineering, polymer chemistry and synthesis, and melt-processed bioplastics and composites is required; and 3) Knowledge in biobased materials such as biopolymers, polymer blends, natural fibres, and biocomposites are required. Contract Duration: One year, with possible extension for an additional yearSalary: CAD $50,000 per annum, plus benefitsPostdoctoral OpportunitiesMulti-Layer Polymer Films & Packaging via Melt Processing with Property Analysis for Biopolymer Blends, and Biocomposites (Cast, Blown, and Melt Extrusion).  Positions Available: 1(Email Heading: Films & Packaging)The focus for this position is to create formulations of biopolymer blends, biocomposites, hybrid composites, and nanobiocomposites for multi-layer films and packaging via MELT processing (Cast, Blown, and Melt Extrusion) for high barrier properties. The selected candidates will work on formulating materials via melt processing and reactive extrusion techniques for multi-layer films and packaging, where they will study the processing, barrier properties, and structure-property relationship. Candidate must have experience with the cast and blown film processing and their characterization.Polymer Blends and Composites (Biobased Materials, Biobased Composites, Reactive Extrusion, Injection Moulding and Compression Moulding) Positions Available: 1(Email Heading: Blends & Composites)The focus for this position is to develop formulations of biopolymer blends, biocomposites, hybrid composites, and nanobiocomposites. The selected candidate will work on melt processing and reactive extrusion techniques, where they will study the processing, structure and property relationship. The formulated materials will be studied for their processing, structure and property relationships.Pyrolysis of Various Biomass and their Characterization for Hybrid Biocomposite ApplicationsPositions Available: 1 (Email Heading: Biocarbon Composites)The focus for this position is to fabricate biocarbon from various biomass sources through a pyrolysis process. After the fabrication, characterization, and analysis of the fabricated biocarbon, it will be used to create various polymer-based biocomposite formulations. Biocomposite formulations will be fabricated through melt processing including extrusion techniques, injection moulding and/or compression moulding. The formulated materials will be studied for their processing, structure and property relationships. Candidates should have hands-on experience with pyrolysis equipment.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. Postdoc)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 CVEmail Subject Line: Postdoctoral Fellow Position at BDDC + Indicate position above (1, 2, 3)**Separate applications are required if applying to multiple positions**The research component of the Postdoctoral Fellow 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-phd We thank all applicants who apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted......

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Funded Graduate Opportunities - M.Sc. in Plant Agriculture*This graduate opportunity is for graduate students pursuing a degree in Plant Agriculture 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 in the M.Sc. program, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in ScienceIf your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. Please see the chart for acceptable tests and required scores on the graduate studies website. Please copy and paste the weblink found below:Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the positions are filled.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. M.Sc. 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......

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Funded Graduate Opportunities - PhD/M.A.Sc./MEng in Biological Engineering*This graduate opportunity is for graduate students pursuing a degree in Biological 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. Biological 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......

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Prof. Misra attended the City of Guelph - University Networking event on June 18th, 2025. This event, attended by 150 individuals, provided an opportunity to explore collaborations and partnership opportunities in research and teaching. It focused on seven thematic areas that are included in the City of Guelph's Strategic Plan: Reconciliation and Community Engagement, Governance/Financial Management & Human Resources, Housing Land Use & Transportation, Community Spaces/Arts and Culture & Service Design, Climate & Sustainability, Economic Development, and Community Wellbeing.For more information on this event, please visit this link......

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Researchers at the BDDC attended the SPE FlexPackCon 2025 in Fairport, NY, USA on May 8, 2025. The conference, presented by the SPE Flexible Packaging Division, addressed packaging opportunities and current issues, with a focus on sustainability and processing.Prof. Mohanty presented his work titled "Circular Economy Driven by Sustainable Packaging: Can Biodegradable Plastics Solve Flexible Packaging Pollution Crisis?" Ehsan Pesaranhajiabbas gave a presentation titled "Biodegradable Monolayer and Multilayer Flexible Films for Sustainable Packaging Application- From Laboratory Scale to Commercialization". For more information about SPE FlexPackCon 2025, click here......

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Profs. Misra and Mohanty attended the Polymer Processing Society's 40th international conference from April 22 to 25, 2025, in New Zealand. The conference, hosted by the University of Auckland, brought together some of the most prominent academics and researchers in plastics and polymer processing.Prof. Mohanty gave a keynote presentation on April 24, 2025, titled "Processing of Biodegradable Plastics and their Biodegradability for Single-use Plastic Alternatives: Challenges and New Opportunities," as well as a poster presentation titled "Biodegradable Composites from Poly(Hydroxybutyrate-Co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) and Cellulosic Fiber: Effect of Compatibilizer on Material Performance".Prof. Misra gave a keynote presentation on April 25, 2025, titled "Innovations on Advanced Biocarbons and their Sustainable Composites: Materials to Real-World Applications", and a poster presentation titled "Advancements of 3D Printing by Utilizing Machine Learning and Bayesian Optimization for Ocean-Recycled Polymer Composites"......

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Members of the BDDC attended the Canadian Food Engineering 2025 Conference on April 24 and 25, 2025. The conference was hosted at the University of Guelph, and allowed students and other researchers to present work on food processing, safety, quality, and packaging, among other topics.Poster Presentations Include:Reshma Krishnan: 3rd Prize "Injection molded biocomposites from cellulose acetate with mineral fillers: performance evaluation."Hugh MacFarlane: "Sustainable lightweight biocomposites from engineering plastic and upcycled agricultural waste: Effect of pyrolysis temperature on performance of the biocomposites."Debarshi Nath: "Influence of machine direction orientation on biodegradable films from biobased poly (butylene succinate-co-adipate) and surface-modified wollastonite."Fatemeh Jahangiri: "Exploring the maleation of biodegradable poly (butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA): Evaluation of grafting characteristics, thermal stability, and rheological behavior."Oral Presentations Include:Reshma Krishnan: "Biocomposite films from cellulose acetate incorporated with mineral fillers: effect on mechanical and barrier properties."Debarshi Nath: "Biodegradable composites from bacterial polyester and cellulosic pulp: effect of compatibilizing agent on biocomposite performance."Fatemeh Jahangiri: "Effect of peroxide compounds, fillers and plasticizers on the final properties of plasticized cellulose acetate."   ...

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