Université Laval launches the Institute for Sustainable Materials to accelerate the transition to a green economy!
Université Laval, in partnership with Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE), is proud to announce the creation of the Institute for Sustainable Materials (ISM). The new institute aims to design and develop sustainable materials by integrating sustainability from the conception stage and considering the entire life cycle—from resource extraction to end of life. This ambitious initiative demonstrates Université Laval’s commitment to transforming research into concrete, responsible solutions for Quebec and the world.
The ISM will benefit from a budget of over $1.2 million over three years, including $450,000 from the MEIE, reflecting the government’s strong support for sustainable innovation and applied science that serves society.
The institute’s work will focus on three strategic areas of innovation:
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Technological innovation: design, synthesis, manufacturing processes, shaping, and degradation of materials;
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Life cycle: comprehensive understanding of materials and assessment of their environmental and economic impacts;
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Society: integration of social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of innovation, fostering dialogue between the natural, technological, social, and health sciences.
Crédit photo: Besma Bouslimi
A hub of complementary expertise
The ISM brings together the strengths of seven research centers at Université Laval, uniting experts driven by the development of innovative solutions in fields such as wood, plastics, aluminum, concrete, minerals, and fiber optics. This unique synergy enables the transformation of ambitious ideas into tangible projects that can truly reshape how we design materials.
The strategic role of the CRMR within the Institute for Sustainable Materials
Among these centers, the Renewable Materials Research Centre (CRMR) plays a central role. Specializing in materials derived from renewable resources, the CRMR stands out for its advanced research on:
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Solid wood: optimizing its mechanical properties and durability for construction, furniture, and engineering applications;
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Lignocellulosic composites: hybrid materials combining natural fibers and polymer matrices, offering high-performance, lightweight, and eco-friendly solutions;
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Value-added coproducts: recovering wood residues and other biomasses to create new materials or functional products, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact.
The CRMR is also distinguished by its multidisciplinary partnerships—working with industry to align innovations with market needs, with government to support sustainable development priorities, and with academia to foster training and scientific collaboration.
Internationally recognized expertise
At Université Laval, more than 110 professors, along with nearly 900 students, postdoctoral fellows, and research professionals, work in the field of materials science and engineering. The ISM will stimulate cutting-edge research, promote the training of the next generation of scientists, and develop strategic partnerships that will enhance Quebec’s international visibility and impact.
For more information, please contact: materio@ulaval.ca
To learn more: https://nouvelles.ulaval.ca