Research Institutes & Centres
Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC)The Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC) is a group of high-end specialized research laboratories, featuring NMR, x-ray diffraction and scattering, microscopy imaging, fermentation, mass spectrometry and genomics. Located in the Science Complex, AAC welcomes users from academia, government and industry, and provides an unequalled range of capabilities for research and advanced education at the interface of the physical and biological sciences. Contact: Debbie Chan, Manager, 519 824 4120 ext 56814 |
Advanced Food & Materials Network (AFMNet)AFMNet is a national network of researchers, professionals, industry partners and government agencies working on research projects to improve the foods we eat, the products we make, and the goods we buy. Activities include identifying and funding food and materials related research projects; networking with academic, industrial and governmental experts across Canada; collecting and sharing results, and news of their applications; and facilitating technology transfer for commercial use. AFMNet operates under Canada's Networks of Centres of Excellence program, a federally funded, nationwide initiative cultivating partnerships between the academic, commercial and public sectors. Contact: Rickey Yada, Scientific Director, 519 824 4120 ext 58915 or ext 56585 |
Aquaculture CentreEstablished in 1990 as a collaborative venture between the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Aquaculture Centre coordinates a variety of research, extension and educational activities, including the Aquaculture Extension Centre, Alma Aquaculture Research Station, the Applied Fish Production Research Program, and the MSc-Aquaculture degree program. The Centre works in cooperation with provincial and national aquaculture institutions and associations to facilitate information and technology transfer to the private sector. Contact: Richard Moccia, Dept of Animal and Poultry Science, 519 824 4120 ext 52689 |
Arboretum Gene BankThe Arboretum was one of the first institutions to commence establishment of a living gene bank of all known populations of rare woody plants in 1979. The Gene Bank continues to preserve the genetic diversity of some of Ontario's rare woody plants, along with Dutch Elm Disease-resistant elms. More than 20 species have much of their genetic diversity archived in The Arboretum Gene Bank and other collections. The Gene Bank orchards are now producing crops of seed that will ultimately reduce the seed collecting pressure from wild populations and provide the seedlings needed to assist restoration of these species where they are in decline. Contact: Alan Watson, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 52356 |
Bioconversion NetworkThe NSERC Bioconversion Network is aimed at developing energy efficient, commercially viable and environmentally sustainable biomass conversion processes that generate ethanol and high-value co-products. Its mandate is to generate innovations that will accelerate Canada' transition from a petroleum-baseed to a bio-based economy. Contact: Hung Lee, Co-Scientific Director, 519 824 4120 ext 53828 |
Biodiversity Institute of Ontario (BIO)OAC is a partner in BIO, an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to improving the understanding of biodiversity at all scales, from the genetic to the macroecological. Based at the University of Guelph, BIO is host to more than 30 university faculty and their research groups representing a wide range of biological expertise. BIO includes two facilities that were created by OAC faculty — the OAC Herbarium and the nationally significant Insect Collection. Current research programs include: DNA Barcoding, Biological Archiving, Biodiversity Protection, Experimental Ecology, Pollination Biology, Integrative Biodiversity Databases and Genomic Diversity. Contact: Paul Hebert, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 56668 |
Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC)The Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) is an interdisciplinary centre where plant biologists, chemists and engineers converge to investigate and commercialize biomaterials. The experts at the BDDC combine distinct areas of study including genetics, molecular biology, agronomy, materials engineering to produce leading edge research and innovative materials and chemicals derived from renewable resources. The BDDC is staffed by a team of world class researchers and research collaborators who are defining new frontiers in bio-based product development and processing, and producing greener bioproducts as substitutes for non-renewable materials in manufacturing sectors, consumer goods and services. Contact: Amar Mohanty, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 56664 |
Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW)The Campbell Centre promotes the welfare of animals through research and education, and offers one of the world's largest undergraduate and graduate training programs in animal welfare. Through this program, students in agriculture, veterinary medicine and animal biology are prepared to enter careers in the animal industries with a sound knowledge of animal welfare issues and a scientific approach to making improvements. Educational opportunities are also provided through regular lecture series, seminars and round-table discussions as well as a broad range of information services. The Campbell Centre is funded through private donations. Contact: Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW), 519 824 4120 ext 53648 |
Canadian Agricultural Trade Policy and Competitive Research Network (CATPRN)CATPRN's goal is to improve the economic performance of the agri-food sector through research designed to enhance and better understand Canada's trade performance and policy options. The national network provides a forum for researchers across Canada to contribute to informed debate on policy issues and increase the capacity to deliver agricultural policy research through projects involving graduate students. Funding is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Contact: Karl Meilke, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 52769 |
Canadian Pollination Initiative (CANPOLIN)The NSERC CANPOLIN Initiative is addressing the growing problem of pollinator decline in agricultural and natural ecosystems in Canada. Leading experts in entomology, ecology, plant reproductive biology, genomics, prediction and economics have joined forces to explore the full scope of this pollination dilemma. Contact: Peter Kevan, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 52479 |
Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS)CRIFS is dedicated to the generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research, to the training of scientists and to providing information and expertise applicable to all sectors of the food industry. The Institute aims to improve food safety and quality by providing sound scientific information, research and development, food safety alerts and technology. Associated organizations include: Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph Food Technology Centre. Contact: Mansel Griffiths, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 52269 |
Centre for Agricultural Renewable Energy and Sustainability (CARES)The Centre promotes an agricultural focus with the objectives of strengthening the agricultural sector; improving sustainability and development; increasing alternative energy and energy conservation; and leveraging education training and research. Contact: Art Schaafsma, Ridgetown Campus Director, 519 674 1505 |
Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock (CGIL)CGIL is a research group affiliated with the Department of Animal & Poultry Science within OAC. It consists of faculty members, visiting scientists, research associates, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows committed to genetics research on animal species, including aquaculture, beef, dairy, poultry and swine. Partners include Beef Improvement Ontario, the Canadian Dairy Network and Ontario Swine Improvement, Inc. Contact: Stephen Miller, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 56378 |
Centre for Land and Water StewardshipThe Centre for Land and Water Stewardship is an umbrella for research and extension projects at the University of Guelph. The Centre works in co-operation with many external groups and encourages projects that examine the sustainability of land and water resources. Current major projects include research on nutrient management in agriculture, the impact of farming practices on groundwater, and the development of a Master Steward program for rural landowners. Support is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Richard Ivey Fund, the Branscombe Family Foundation, and many other sources. Contact: Peter Mitchell, Research Associate, 519 824 4120 ext 58329 or claws@uoguelph.ca |
Centre for Nutrition ModellingThe Centre for Nutrition Modelling (CNM), affiliated with the Department of Animal & Poultry Science within OAC, is concerned with animal nutrition and developing biomathematical models to better understand the scientific and management aspects of animal agriculture. Its program covers the main areas of the Department's nutrition research and deals with dairy and beef cattle, pigs, poultry, fish, equines and pets. The Centre conducts basic, strategic and applied research through collaborative efforts focused on application, integration and understanding. Contact: Steve Leeson, Department of Animal & Poultry Science, 519 824 4120 ext 53681 |
Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility (CESRF)The Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility and its Space and Advanced Life Support Agriculture program are an essential part of Canada's contributions to plant research and development for space and closed environment related activities. The Facility fosters collaborative interactions among European, American and Canadian specialists and serves to benefit research and education programs in both Europe and North America. Support for the Facility's programs is provided by a broad range of government and industry sponsors, including NSERC, the Canadian and European Space Agencies, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Contact: Mike Dixon, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 52555 |
Food Safety NetworkThe Food Safety Network (FSN) provides research, public information and communication forums on food safety issues from farm to fork. For more than a decade, it has been Canada’s most comprehensive and trusted centre of information and research on food safety issues. As an independent, non-profit organization, the FSN provides a unique and reliable service using current food safety knowledge to help consumers and health professionals make informed decisions. Contact: Carole Buteau, FSN Manager, 519 824 4120 ext 52907 |
Guelph Transgenic Plant Research ComplexThe Guelph Transgenic Plant Research Complex is dedicated to conducting transgenic research involving various crop species. Plant test fields are located at the Elora Research Station. Contact: Steve Bowley, Department of Plant Agriculture, 519 824 4120 ext 52460 |
Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI)Established in 1987, GTI conducts research and extension and provides information on turfgrass production and management for members of the Ontario turfgrass industry. Research activities focus in areas such as the environmental aspects of pesticide use (fate and persistence), evaluation of grass species, varieties and seeding methods, sports field construction, fertility and management programs, pesticide use and the biological and cultural control of diseases and weeds. Support for Institute activities is provided by the University, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the turgrass industry. Contact: Rob Witherspoon, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 56886 |
Landscape Architecture Community Outreach CentreThe Landscape Architecture Community Outreach Centre offers design assistance directly to communities, organizations and individuals in order to stimulate creative and innovative approaches to solving design problems. Typical projects include design and management plans for parks and open spaces, trail systems, schoolyard naturalization, tourism facilities, greening projects, seniors' residences, therapeutic facilities, streetscapes and downtown revitalization. Design assistance through the Centre is generally provided at low cost, depending on the client's ability to pay. Contact: Sean Kelly, Director, 519 824 4120 ext 56870 |
Metals in the Human Environment Research Network (MITHE-RN)MITHE-RN, a collaboration of academia, government and industry, conducts research in support of science-based environmental and human health risk assessments for metals in water, soil and food. The Network's research program is strongly linked across Canada and is intended to advance Canada-specific research on metals with a new focus on links to the exposure of humans to metals. Support for the Network is provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), federal and provincial governments and industry partners. Contact: Len Ritter, Coordinator, 519 824 4120 ext 52980 |
Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre (ORWC)ORWC was created by the University of Guelph's Campus d'Alfred and School of Engineering in partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and industry and government stakeholders in order to promote environmentally sustainable development of rural and unsewered areas through the effective use of wastewater disposal technologies. Demonstration sites in Central and Eastern Ontario provide a wide variety of wastewater courses utilising demonstration technologies to provide hands-on learning experience. Contact: Doug Joy, General Manager, 519 824 4120 ext 53048 |
Poultry Welfare CentreIn September 2009, the University of Guelph was chosen to house the Poultry Welfare Centre, a virtual centre for leading Canadian scientists in poultry behaviour and welfare. It is a joint initiative of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Poultry Industry Council and the Canadian Poultry Research Council. Contact: Stephanie Torrey, Department of Animal & Poultry Science, 519 824 4120 ext 53660 |
For a full listing of research institutes, centres and groups at the University of Guelph, visit the Office of Research
