Farnood Appointed First Associate Chair, Research

Professor Ramin Farnood has been appointed the first Associate Chair, Research of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. In announcing Professor Farnood’s appointment, Department Chair Doug Reeve stated the new position was established “to be in step with strategic planning for research at the Faculty level.”

Among his new responsibilities, Professor Farnood will oversee strategic planning to enhance research efficiency, productivity and intensity. He will also facilitate preparation of large research grants and contracts, particularly those that are multidisciplinary, and research relationships with industry partners. Professor Farnood will participate in Department management and planning with the other Associate Chairs and representing the Department on the Faculty Research Committee.

Prior to joining the University of Toronto as a faculty in 2000, he held various scientific and managerial positions at FPInnovations-Paprican, Abitibi-Price, and Trojan Technologies. While at U of T, he has led the Surface Science Research Consortium, a collaborative research program that brought together international companies to support the research of a number of professors from a range of disciplines. Professor Farnood’s current research interests include developing novel bioproducts that utilize the forest biomass, thermochemical conversion of waste biomass to hydrogen, and advanced technologies for wastewater treatment and reuse.

Professor Farnood’s invention, with PhD student Peter Angelo, of a paper-based flexible electro-luminescence display was recently profiled by U of T Magazine and by Engineering Dimensions.

Professor Farnood’s term will begin immediately and will continue to June 30, 2012.