Dr. Chris Todd Hittinger to become new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Biodiscovery, Biodesign and Bioproduction at University of Guelph
An internationally renowned industrial biotechnology researcher will be joining the University of Guelph to pursue an ambitious research program to engineer yeasts to produce high-value biofuel and bioproducts.
Backed by $8 million in federal funding announced today, Dr. Chris Todd Hittinger will become the new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Biodiscovery, Biodesign and Bioproduction, part of the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. He begins the appointment in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology July 1, 2027.
Hittinger’s research program will help address Canada’s urgent challenges in energy security by harnessing the potential of yeasts as sources of fuels and other bioproducts.
Over 15 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Hittinger has developed award-winning global expertise in fungal evolution, yeast behaviours and biodiversity genomics.
Leveraging these achievements, he will build a research program to investigate ways to engineer this remarkably diverse group of microorganisms into next-generation fuel and bioproduct sources.
Researcher to engineer yeasts into fuel, bioproduct sources
“Few biological systems offer as much untapped potential for a sustainable and circular bioeconomy as yeasts,” said Hittinger. “By combining their unique capabilities for storing carbon and energy with modern genomics and machine learning, we can unlock new biological discoveries and innovative applications.”
The program will drive expansion of U of G’s existing biotechnology strengths and propel a new Centre for Biodiscovery, Biodesign, and Bioproduction that will serve as a national hub linking research, training and industry collaboration.
“Given the rising threats of climate change and resource insecurity and Canada’s ambitious goal for net-zero emissions by 2050, I look forward to developing approaches that will help replace fossil-derived carbon with renewable solutions that can be applied at an industrial scale,” Hittinger said.
This work will be funded by the new federal Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, which supports postsecondary institutions in attracting researchers from around the world whose work will help build a more resilient Canada.
Administered by the Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS), the initiative provides long-term funding to advance ambitious projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, including the need for more renewable energy sources.
Dr. Hittinger’s appointment is part of the first phase of the Initiative, aimed at strengthening Canada’s position as a global destination for top scientists and innovators.
Supporting Canada’s energy security goals
“World-class universities help shape the future by enabling exceptional people to tackle society’s most pressing challenges,” said Dr. Rene Van Acker, president and vice-chancellor. “Dr. Hittinger’s appointment strengthens the University of Guelph’s leadership in biotechnology and demonstrates how fundamental discovery can lead to transformative solutions.
“This research has the potential to advance Canada’s transition to renewable energy, accelerate innovation in the bioeconomy and create lasting benefits for communities, industry and future generations.”
For the last 10 years, Hittinger has been the lead investigator of the Y1000+ Project, which has sequenced and analyzed the genomes of essentially every known species of yeast and his team’s pioneering research is credited with transforming the understanding of the evolution and metabolic innovation of “true yeasts” (subphylum Saccharomycotina).
He has also served as the Specialty Biofuels Team Lead of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, where he has engineered yeasts to make sustainable biofuels and bioproducts from bioenergy crops.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Hittinger to the University of Guelph where his expertise will build on our globally recognized strengths in genomics, microbiology and sustainable bioproducts development,” said Dr. Mazyar Fallah, vice-president, research and innovation.
Investment supports future biotech leaders
“This significant federal investment comes at a pivotal time, enabling us to attract world-leading researchers like Dr. Hittinger whose discoveries will strengthen Canada’s bioeconomy while advancing our commitment to research excellence, collaboration and impact.”
Guelph MP Dominique O’Rourke looks forward to Hittinger building discoveries in Guelph.
“The Goldenberg Research Chairs attract the world’s brightest minds to Canada’s leading research institutions, ensuring that the next generation of researchers, innovators and leaders build their futures and make their discoveries in Canada,” O’Rourke said. “Welcome, Dr. Hittinger, to Guelph and to further contributing to the University’s leadership in sustainability and innovation.”
With Hittinger’s appointment, U of G will receive an additional $100,000 per year for six years through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program to recruit an Early Career Researcher in a field relevant or complementary to Hittinger’s work.
The University also received just over $1.1 million in funding under Phase 1 of the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards program announced earlier this year. This includes four post-doctoral awardees who will receive $70,000 each for two years, and five doctoral awardees who will receive $40,000 each for three years.