On, Monday, April 23, Trent University announced the naming of the Martin Family Biomaterials Laboratory at a special gathering at the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research (TCBR) with guest of honour, Mr. John Martin, and his family in attendance.

Dr. Suresh Narine, director of the TCBR, Ontario research chair in green chemistry and engineering, NSERC/GFO/ERS senior industrial research chair in lipid derived biomaterials, and one of Canada’s top 40 under 40, unveiled the new name and signage. He noted Mr. Martin’s legacy of commitment to the community of Peterborough, Trent University and the Biomaterials research program specifically had been integral to the successful work of the TCBR to date.

Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Advancement, welcomed Mr. Martin, along with his wife Gail Martin, daughter Kylie and son-in-law Mike Kitchen. “It is truly inspiring to think that work of this importance is taking place right here at Trent,” she said. “Under the leadership of its celebrated director, Dr. Suresh Narine, Trent University and the TCBR are at the hub of international interest and activity in transforming the ways we source, create and use products, and the ways we live within the limits of our biosphere.”

Dr. Neil Emery, vice-president, Research, provided an update on new advances in research taking place at The Martin Family Biomaterials Laboratory. “Through cutting-edge scientific and interdisciplinary breakthroughs, paired with vital research and institutional partnerships that span the globe – including India, Brazil, the U.S. and Guyana - the TCBR is indeed working to transform our world,” he said.

Among the new strides mentioned, the Biomaterials team has:

• developed a family of lipid-derived compounds which are superior low-temperature, biodegradable and sustainable lubricants
• developed a series of compounds which act as lubricant and fuel additives, in conjunction with its partners at Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. 
• submitted eight publications, published thirty publications, and filed two patents 
• built approximately 7,000-square feet of state-of-the-art laboratories

Greetings were sent from TCBR partners Elevance Renewable Sciences and the Grain Farmers of Ontario. Following the announcement, tours of The Martin Family Biomaterials Laboratory provided a glimpse into some of the new equipment and processes.
           
Unique in North America, the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research (TCBR) is on the cutting edge of research and technology development that will transform our world. Working to create a more sustainable future is at the heart of the work being conducted by the TCBR. The Centre’s focus on development, agricultural utilization and geographical, environmental and commercial impacts, sets Trent University’s biomaterials approach apart. This is a research program where science meets social science and humanities, and where the creation and use of biomaterials is being examined within an ethical framework. One of only a handful of programs of its kind in the world, the TCBR is a leader in this life-changing realm of research.