CLUSTER MANAGEMENT

Since 2018, the BioFuelNet Canada Network has led the management of the Biomass Canada Cluster, serving as its legal representative and executive authority. BioFuelNet Canada is a federally incorporated non-profit organization that plays a pivotal role in uniting Canada’s biofuels research community, industry, government, and key stakeholders to overcome barriers hindering the growth of the advanced biofuels sector. Focused on non-food biomass as a biofuel feedstock, BioFuelNet Canada adopts a network-driven approach, seen as the optimal way to advance the country’s bioeconomy.

 

With a strong track record in bioeconomy research and innovation, BioFuelNet Canada successfully led a national initiative from 2012 to 2018, integrating the expertise of over 230 researchers from 29 post-secondary institutions and 127 industry partners to develop an advanced Canadian biofuels industry under the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada program.

 

The BioFuelNet Canada management team is responsible for coordinating all scientific research, knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) initiatives, and impact assessment activities within the Biomass Canada Cluster. KTT activities are focused on de-risking decision-making processes by delivering evidence-based communication products and training events that mobilize agricultural operators across biomass value chains.

 

Our Team

Dr. Donald L. Smith

BioFuelNet Canada, CEO and Scientific Director

 

During his 35 years at McGill University, Donald L. Smith, Distinguished James McGill Professor, has conducted research in the production and physiology of crop plants, with an emphasis on plant-microbe interactions, most recently, within the context of biofuel feedstock production. Specific areas of research include: nitrogen metabolism, nitrogen fixation, low temperature stress and legume nodulation, methods for injection of metabolites into plants, cereal production, plant growth regulators, intercropping, inter-plant competition, plant-microbe signaling, plants and climate change, biofuel crops, cannabis, crop stress responses and biochar as a soil amendment.

 

Work on microbe-to-plant signals and plant stress responses has is leading to climate change resilient crop production systems. He has trained 82 graduate students, ~2/3 at the Ph.D. level, published over 350 papers, generated thirteen patents, started a spin-off company (Bios Agriculture Inc.), and commercialized technologies now applied to over 100 million ha of cropland per year. He has been cited more than 14,000 times and his current H index (Research Gate) is 61. He has been principal investigator on research grants totaling ~$80 million.

 

In October 2022 he served as an independent witness on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.

Dr. Xiaomin Zhou

Executive Director, BioFuelNet Canada

 

Dr. Xiaomin Zhou is a seasoned expert in bioenergy and sustainable development, with over two decades of experience in academia, large-scale research, and industry collaboration. As the Executive Director of BioFuelNet Canada, Dr. Zhou plays a pivotal role in advancing the commercialization of biofuels and bioproducts through strategic research initiatives, including leading the Biomass Canada Cluster. Her leadership and vision are instrumental in mobilizing Canadian research institutions, government agencies, and industrial partners to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that contribute to Canada’s bioeconomy.

 

Dr. Zhou holds a Ph.D. in Plant Science from McGill University. Before taking charge of the Biomass Canada Cluster in 2018, Dr. Zhou supervised network activities and served as the financial manager for two large-scale national research networks. From 2006 to 2012, she managed the Green Crop Strategic Research Network, which focused on climate change. In 2012, she co-founded and served as the acting CFO of BioFuelNet Canada, which operated under the Networks of Centers of Excellence Program until 2018. Since 2018, she has been managing the daily operations of the Biomass Canada Cluster, which includes knowledge transfer, technology transfer activities, and outreach.

 

Throughout her career, Dr. Zhou has been dedicated to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, ensuring that research outcomes are not only scientifically robust but also commercially viable and socially impactful. Her academic capabilities, coupled with her strong management skills, have provided strategic and operational leadership to all BioFuelNet Canada initiatives, as well as oversight of graduate student training, research management, finance/budget management, knowledge and technology transfer, and HR.

Interested in reaching out to any of BioMass Canada’s experts? Contact us!

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