About the Biorefining Research Institute
Established in 2008, the Biorefining Research Institute (BRI) has become one of the leading academic institutions in sustainable material and process development in Canada. By mobilizing the expertise, experience, and passion of an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary research team to the benefit of the forest and agriculture industries, BRI is a recognized centre of excellence. Through creating knowledge of understanding the mechanisms of biorefining processes, advanced functional materials, and non-fossil derived fuels, BRI has created novel research and development opportunities, new technology models and jobs in Northern Ontario and beyond.
Located on the Thunder Bay Lakehead University campus, BRI is uniquely positioned geographically. Woody biomass from the Boreal Forest and agro-based wastes play a significant part in providing feedstock for bio-derived research. We run alongside a large number of Lakehead University faculties with active research and expertise in biorefining who provide dedicated world-known research, sophisticated and advanced facilities and motivated students.
BRI exists as a multidisciplinary field and research-intensive institute. We focus on bringing together the knowledge and experience of vibrant researchers, faculty, and students from several academic units at Lakehead University including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical and Materials engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Natural resources management
We develop transformative, cost-effective, and environmentally-sound technologies and products from renewable resources as a substitute for oil-based chemicals and materials that create new opportunities for the Bioeconomy. With top quality publications and industrially relevant patents, we serve the natural resources sector, including forest, agriculture, and other fiber-processing industries, and contribute to the environmental sustainability and socio-economic prosperity, globally.
Together with other leading institutes and industry partners, we explore a wide range of opportunities to create solutions to tackle substantial challenges of water scarcity, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, we are working on identifying industry oriented and financially sound solutions to create alternatives that promote the conversion of traditional resource sectors to advanced sustainable operations.
For more information about our research expertise, please see our publications, research page, or contact us.