Belleville, ON, June 14, 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.”
Learn more about Loyalist’s Centre for Natural Products.
About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.
Contact:
Hannah Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784