Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are CBIN's mission, goal and vision?
A: CBIN’s mission is to harness the potential for bioresources, bioenergy, bioproducts and bioprocesses to help Canadian Industry meet efficiency, sustainability, clean air and climate change challenges. CBIN makes strategic R&D investments that advance the development of bioenergy, biofuels, and industrial bioproducts and bioprocesses that: reduce fossil fuel energy consumption; directly or indirectly reduce GHG and criteria air contaminants (CAC) emissions; and seed the development of
Q: Where does the funding come from and how is it used?
A: CBIN Funds applied RD&D projects in the areas of bioenergy, biofuels, industrial bioproducts and bioprocesses. It fills the space between basic research and demonstration/ pre-commercialization.
CBIN currently receives funding from three sources:
- The Bio-based Energy Systems and Technologies (BEST) Program of Energy Research and Development (PERD) promotes the development of bioenergy, biomass-derived transportation fuels, and bioprocesses for industry. Traditionally, PERD funding has focused on biomass supply and biomass conversion and utilization.
- The Technology and Innovation (T&I) Biotechnology Program funded under
- As of 2007, CBIN receives ecoENERGY Technology Initiative (ecoETI) funding. ecoETI will fund next-generation energy technologies that will reduce GHG and CAC emissions from the production and use of energy. For more information, visit Bio-Based Energy Systems.
While these federal funding programs have distinct mandates and deliverables, they share the same overall strategy and management structure.
A list of funded projects is available on the Key Documents page of this website.
All projects must have a Federal Government lead and partners (ie: industry, academia, provincial or municipal governments, NGOs, etc.).
Q: Who oversees CBIN?
A: An interdepartmental Executive Committee (ExCo) is responsible for identifying R&D gaps and recommending strategic R&D activities that will advance industrial bioproducts innovation in
- Hamid Mohamed (NRCan - OERD) (Chair)
- John Burnett and Ed Hogan / NRCan - CETC
- Dr. Christiane Deslauriers and Mark Stumborg / AAFC
- Ted Pidgeon and Brenda McIntyre / AAFC
- Dr. John Jaworski and Saeed Khan / IC
- Kevin Jonasson and Jane Dyment / NRC
- Jeff Karau, Sylvie Richard and Joe Cunningham / NRCan - CFS
- Dr. Andrew McFarlan and Jody Barclay / NRCan - CETC
- Dr. Alex MacLeod and Shelly Malhotra / NRCan - OERD
- Nicole Richer and Nathalie Beaupré / NRCan - OERD
- Dr. Terry McIntyre and Matthew Schacker / EC
- André Isabelle / NSERC
Q: What is the purpose of the Interdepartmental Committee on the Bio-economy (ICBE)?
A: The committee is intended to direct CBIN's Executive Committee (ExCo). It is composed of Director Generals and other senior managers who represent relevant federal departments. This committee oversees the operation of CBIN from the perspective of broad Government of Canada objectives and policies, as well as in the context of activities and developments in bioenergy, biofuels and industrial biotechnology that are being spear-headed by international organizations. The committee offers advice and direction for strengthening the coordinated effort of the federal government to advance the bio-economy.
Q: How does the network obtain external advice?
A: An external advisory panel provides independant advice on strategy and project portfolio. EAP members are:
- Ron Kehrig / Agwest Bio Inc. (Chair)
- Dr. Richard Ablett / Atlantic Bioresource TechnoVenture Centre
- Bob Benson / Retired, VP Tembec
- Dr. Ajay Dalai /
- Bob Morgan / POS Pilot Plant Corporation
- Don O'Connor / S&T2 Consultants Inc.
- Deny St. George /
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