It is well known that the scarcity of resources, especially those that are easy to process, is creating growing uncertainty. The problem is particularly acute today because the world's energy consumption is accentuated by the increased demands in emerging and developing countries and the needs resulting from new products being brought to market--so energy consumption is not about to decline. The management and conservation of natural resources are the main challenges we face in working to create green processes and sustainable development. In the 21st century, economic growth will require us to use safe, sustainable resources to meet society's growing needs. So it is crucial that we find innovative solutions and technologies that draw on much more complex raw materials, from both renewable and non-renewable resources. The Chair's co-holders, Professors Jamal Chaouki and Louis Fradette, will work in this direction.

"The population's energy needs are growing, resources are becoming scarcer, and environmental and social concerns absolutely must be central to responsible research," Professor Chaouki said. "Our research team is powerfully inspired by the desire to transform today's waste into tomorrow's resources."

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Total have joined forces with Polytechnique to create an industrial research chair that aims to contribute to the development of new processes that are respectful of the environment. "It is crucial that we take into account environmental questions that result from the rapid world population growth and the increased use of energy resources," added Professor Fradette, co-holder of the Chair. "This is a hugely strategic issue, since new technologies will be at the forefront of any breakthroughs."

To carry out its work, the Chair will benefit from a five-year operating budget of $3.2 million, with $1.25 million from NSERC and $1.25 million from Total, along with $700,000 in support from Polytechnique. Other contributions earmarked for infrastructure and equipment required for the Chair's work will be added to this base amount. Among others, that includes contributions from the Canada Foundation for Innovation ($400,000), Total ($150,000) and the Gouvernement du Québec ($400,000). The research team will have a total budget approaching $4.2 million.

"Today, we are celebrating two research leaders who are using their talents and knowledge to spearhead innovation for one of Canada's energy production sector," said Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC. "The research work by Drs. Chaouki and Fradette has shown impressive initiative and ambition when it comes to tackling issues faced by industry. As Chair co-holders, they will enjoy a strong position from which to contribute new ideas and improve operations within the sector."

For his part, Philippe Tanguy, Vice-President of R&D Programs, Partnerships and International Relations/Scientific at Total, said: "We are proud to support this new chair, whose research work is motivated by the major societal challenges of access to energy and development of clean technologies. The energy and petrochemical industries need to marshal major research efforts in order to be able to improve their knowledge of the physical and chemical processes and -- why not? -- culminate in technological jumps."

A research team dedicated to the industry's needs

Over the next five years, Professors Chaouki and Fradette will work closely with more than 20 researchers, including some students. The students taking part in the research work will be specifically trained and educated about the problems faced in the field, which will be a clear benefit to the businesses that hire them in the future.

"Thanks to the research program of this Chair, Canada can become a world player in the development of green processes for upgrading difficult natural resources and  transforming domestic and industrial waste," noted Christophe Guy, CEO of Polytechnique Montréal. "The Chair will benefit from infrastructure unique in Canada and will train a pool of high-quality researchers and specialists."

Left to right : Christophe Guy, CEO of Polytechnique Montréal; Louis Fradette, co-holder of the Chair; Jamal Chaouki, co-holder of the Chair; Philippe Tanguy, Vice-President of R&D Programs, Partnerships and International Relations/Scientific at Total; Janet Walden, NSERC's Vice-President of Research Partnerships Programs.

About NSERC 

NSERC is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports some 30,000 postsecondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 12,000 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,500 Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects.

About TOTAL

Total is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, with activities in more than 130 countries. The Group is also a first-rank player in chemicals. Its 93,000 employees put their expertise to work in every part of the industry - exploration and production of oil and natural gas, refining and marketing, new energies, trading, and chemicals. Total is working to help satisfy the global demand for energy, both today and tomorrow.

About Polytechnique Montreal

Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montréal is one of Canada's leading engineering teaching and research institutions. It is the largest engineering university in Québec for the size of its student body and the scope of its research activities. With over 38,500 graduates, Polytechnique Montréal has graduated 25% of the current members of the l'Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. Polytechnique provides training in 16 engineering specialties, has 242 professors and more than 7,100 students. It has an annual operating budget of over $200 million, including a $72-million research budget.

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Professors Chaouki and Fradette are available for interviews.

Photos are available upon request.

Information :

Annie Touchette
Communications and Recruitment Service
Polytechnique Montréal
Tel.: 514 340-4711, ext. 4415
Cell: 514 231-8133
communications@polymtl.ca