December 3, 2024
Education News Canada

LOYALIST COLLEGE
Loyalist College's Centre for Natural Products Receives $1.75m NSERC Grant to Renew TAC Designation

June 20, 2024
Loyalist College is proud to announce that its Centre for Natural Products (CNP), formerly known as the Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (CNPMC), has been awarded a $1.75M grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to renew its national status as a Technology Access Centre (TAC). This funding, distributed over five years, will support an exciting new chapter for the CNP as it expands research capacity to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the natural products sector.

TACs are specialized research centres at Canadian colleges that provide startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with essential research and development support. As a TAC, the CNP helps businesses to refine their products, solve pressing challenges, and access state-of-the art equipment as they scale up and compete in a global market.

Previously recognized for its groundbreaking work in cannabis research, the announcement comes at an exciting time for the CNP, as it broadens its expertise to support sustainable development and address emerging needs in the bioeconomy and natural products sector. Last month, to celebrate its growing portfolio of natural products research, Loyalist's TAC announced its name change from the Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis to the Centre for Natural Products. This evolution underscores the CNP's diverse research partnerships across industries such as cosmetics, personal care, food and beverage, synthetic biology and psilocybin.

"Cannabis research helped position Loyalist College as a trailblazer in the natural products sector and enabled us to build expertise in maintaining plant-based product consistency, stability and safety," notes Carly Kelly, Senior Manager of Loyalist's Applied Research and Innovation Office. "As the regional economy changes, the CNP is adapting to meet new industry demands. Thanks to the financial support and recognition provided by NSERC, Loyalist is growing its capacity to support research in cutting-edge fields such as psilocybin and synthetic biology."

Along with supporting its industry partners, the CNP offers unparalleled hands-on learning experiences for Loyalist College students, allowing them to build confidence and apply their knowledge to solve real-world industry challenges.

"The CNP provides essential research and development for businesses, and in turn, our industry partners offer practical insights and opportunities for our students," remarks Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. "By prioritizing projects that support sustainability and community well-being, the CNP has become a catalyst for regional growth and innovation, while also delivering an exceptional educational experience. Loyalist is grateful to NSERC for continuing to support the CNP and recognize the power of research to transform education, industry and community."
 

For more information

Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology
376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road
Belleville Ontario
Canada K8N 5B9
loyalistcollege.com


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