IFBC Media Releases
IFBC History
In 2017, Lakehead University's Biorefining Research Institute (BRI) hosted the first ever International Forest Biorefining Conference (IFBC). The conference welcomed approximately 150 delegates from around the world to share the latest advances in Forest Biorefining. It was attended by academics, industry leaders, local and federal government officials who share the common goal of building Forest Biorefinery as one of the main drivers for the emerging Low-Carbon Bioresource Economy.
The conference successfully created interdisciplinary, research, industry and cross-sector alliances that continue to be essential in accelerating innovation and R&D in Forest Biorefining. In addition to networking and exhibiting opportunities, participants were provided with a tour of biomass operations in the area.
ISML History
The first International Symposium on Lignocellulosic Materials (ISML) was held in 2013 (Argentina). The second ISML was in 2015 (Chile) as a jointly held event with the 4th Latin American Congress on Biorefineries. The third ISML was in 2017 (Spain) as a Joint Event of the 10th World Congress of Chemical Engineering. Now, proudly, ISML will be joining IFBC aiming to offer a wide scientific and technological scope. The International Symposium on Lignocellulosic Materials will provide a platform to critically review our recent progress, design innovative strategies for future advancements, and exchange multidisciplinary information and experience acquired at all levels of lignocellulose research and development. Opportunities will arise to accelerate scientific discovery and to help to promote, advance and disseminate new knowledge in all aspects of Lignocellulosic Biorefineries. ISML is organized by PROVALOR, a biorefinery chapter of RIADICYP (IberoAmerican Research Network for Pulp, Paper and Lignocellulosic Products) .
IFBC 2019
Returning once again in 2019, IFBC will partner with ISLM to provide an international platform to update and critically review recent progress in all aspects of lignocellulosic research and innovation that can help advance the development of the growing Bioeconomy and bring it closer to maturation. The two events will be run concurrently and will include joint sessions on topics related to the five conference themes:
1) Biomass; 2) Biorefining; 3) Biofuels; 4) Bioproducts; and, 5) Bioeconomy.
IFBC & ISLM 2019 will stimulate fruitful discussions, exchange of knowledge, and networking that will help to accelerate research, development and commercialization of bioprocessing technologies.
Who We Are
The Biorefining Research Institute (BRI) at Lakehead University is the only academic institution of its kind that mobilizes the expertise, experience, and passion of an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary research team to the benefit of the Canadian forest industry.
As an institute, we work together to explore a wide range of topics and expand our Biorefining knowledge locally, nationally, and globally and to transfer our new technologies to the growing Canadian bioindustry. By taking advantage of all aspects of Biorefining, BRI creates novel research and development opportunities, new technology models and jobs, and value-added products from renewable resources that ultimately lead to reduced dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This is a challenge but an opportunity for us too to help transition our global society to a bio-based economy.
Learn more about Lakehead University’s Biorefining Research Institute.
Dr. Lew P. Christopher, Director
Biorefining Research Institute
Lakehead University
1294 Balmoral Street
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
P7B 5Z5
Phone: +1 (807) 343-8844
E-mail: lew.christopher@lakeheadu.ca
Organizing Committee
Lew Christopher, Lakehead University, Canada (chair)
Md Nur Alam, Lakehead University, Canada
Miguel Ladero Galan, Complutence University of Madrid, Spain
Baoqiang Liao, Lakehead University, Canada
Wensheng Qin, Lakehead University, Canada
Song Won Park, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sudip Rakshit, Lakehead University, Canada
Juan Carlos Villar, INIA Forest Research Center, Spain
Ning Yan, University of Toronto, Canada
Conference Support Team
Tara Curtis, Lakehead University, Canada (conference coordinator)
Kelly Fettes, Lakehead University, Canada (conference coordinator)
Stephanie Ash, Firedog Communications, Canada (conference planner)
Kerry Berlinquette, Destination Thunder Bay, Canada (conference planner)
Emily Shandruk, Destination Thunder Bay, Canada (conference planner)
International Scientific Committee
Raimo Alen, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Ludo Diels, University of Antwerp, Belgium
Franck Dumeignil, University of Lille, France
Jack Saddler, University of British Columbia, Canada
Adriaan van Heiningen, University of Maine, USA
Patrice Mangin, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
Jussi Manninen, VTT, Finland
Theo van de Ven, McGill University, Canada
Maria Soledad Gutierrez, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
Marzouk Benali, Natural Resources Canada, Canada
Niklas Von Weymarn, Metsä Group, Finland
Maria Cristina Area, Universidad Nacional de Misiones, Argentina