About us
About us

WHO WE ARE


We are a diverse group of transdisciplinary researchers that bring together diverse expertise in science, engineering, architecture, and land and food systems to drive collaborative research and train future leaders.

Our work focuses on developing hybrid living materials, integrating microbial communities such as bacteria, microalgae, and fungi to explore and harness microbial cell systems to develop functional products and sustainable processes relevant to industries in British Columbia and beyond.

 

OUR VISION

We want to advance climate-positive innovation across industries through transformative hybrid living materials that redefine sustainability and inspire a resilient future.

 

OUR MISSION

We bring together diverse expertise in science, engineering, architecture, and land and food systems to drive collaborative research and train future leaders. Our work focuses on developing hybrid living materials, integrating microbial communities such as bacteria, microalgae, and fungi. with transformative applications in sustainable construction, waste treatment, and food security.

 

OUR ACTIVITIES

Since 2024, our cluster has been hosting a series of symposia featuring guest speakers who present on topics relevant to HLMs, fostering dialogue among trainees, faculty, affiliate members, and industry partners about current challenges, opportunities, and strategies in the field.

Together, we foster new collaborations and support grant applications to develop innovative research and advance the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of ongoing work in HLMs.

Cluster members and trainees have open access to affiliated facilities and equipment for the research and development of HLMs

OUR VALUES

 

 

We believe in the power of collective efforts across disciplines, cultures, and sectors to drive sustainable solutions and impactful innovation in microbial cell systems.

 

 

We value mutual respect and environmental stewardship, fostering inclusive collaboration

 

 

while conducting research that upholds ethical standards and promotes sustainability for people and the planet.

 

 

We build trust through transparency, openly sharing research designs, methods, data, and results to foster accountability, collaboration, and informed engagement.

First Nations land acknowledegement

UBC’s Point Grey Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The land on which we work and learn has always been a place where Musqueam people for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next.

Microbial Cell Systems for Sustainable Living (MCELLS) Research Excellence Cluster

2350 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada

UBC receives support for managing its research enterprise from the federal Research Support Fund.

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