CIRCLE Has a New Director

Dr. Guneet Kaur, a professor at the School of Engineering, University of Guelph, is appointed as CIRCLE’s director for a three-year term, effective May 1, 2025.

As a researcher focussing on the design of biotechnology-based solutions for sustainable manufacturing of platform chemicals, packaging materials, novel foods, and agricultural products such as bio-stimulants, biopesticides, etc., Kaur hopes to develop collaborative research which can benefit communities which are diverse geographically, culturally, and economically. This aligns perfectly with the vision of CIRCLE. 

“Sustainability solutions need not only be technologically strong but also culturally relevant and equitable”, believes Kaur. Through CIRCLE, Kaur envisions to create such interdisciplinary collaborations with the global south and advance sustainable agri-food innovation and circular economy with a strong community engagement. She also plans to develop a knowledge mobilization platform that brings together academic experts, as well as community and government stakeholders, and industry members to share their insight on these vital topics and enable knowledge and technology transfer across Canada, the global south, and the world. 

In doing this, Kaur will build on the strong foundation and reputation of CIRCLE established by the past director Sharada Srinivasan, a professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Srinivasan was also the inaugural director of CIRCLE and in the last five years she made significant contributions to its growth. CIRCLE is thankful to Srinivasan for her efforts.