ONE of the world’s foremost authorities and leading scientists in the groundbreaking field of biomaterials, Dr Suresh Narine — Trent University alumnus, Professor of Physics, Astronomy and Chemistry, and Director of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research (TCBR) — has been announced recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Research Award, one of the university’s top honours.“We congratulate Prof. Narine on this award and the incredible biomaterials research his team is conducting, which not only makes an impact at local, national and global levels, but also pivotally contributes to Trent’s standing as a leading research university,” said Dr Neil Emery, vice president, Research and International at Trent University.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, first and foremost because it’s an honour to join the stellar ranks of colleagues, mentors and former professors of mine who are laureates,” said Prof. Narine, speaking of the award.

“Additionally, Trent University is an institution which has a deep seated place in my identity, as it has played an immensely important formative role in my early academic life, and continues to be pivotal in my professional career as a professor and researcher.

“Recognition from one’s “home” is the sweetest fruit of one’s labours. This award also is a recognition of the contributions of students, research associates, technicians and collaborators with whom I have had the privilege of working over the past 15 years; and I am pleased to share the honour with them,” Dr Narine has said.

Professor Narine has had notable success since starting at Trent University in 2009. In February 2010, he was awarded a $1.25 million Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering from the Council of Ontario Universities, in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.

In November of that same year, he was awarded a $3 million Senior Industrial Research Chair in biomaterials from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in partnership with Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc and the Grain Farmers of Ontario, which was recently renewed for a third consecutive term.

Since the creation of the TCBR, the centre has filed 24 patents, published nearly 90 publications in peer reviewed journals, and has trained six PhD graduates and five MSc. graduates.

Under Professor Narine’s directorship, the TCBR has also developed collaborative research agreements with the Mahatma Ghandi University in Kerala, India; The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel; University of the West Indies in Cave Hill, Barbados; and the Universidade Estadual Paulista in Botucatu, Brazil.

Professor Narine has also developed the National Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) in Guyana.

Speaking of Professor Narine’s accomplishments, one nominator said: “This scientist is eminently accomplished, is on the cutting-edge of his field; and possesses the business acumen, collaborative experience, and engaging approach necessary to translate his science into technology. Suresh Narine is a world-class leading scientist, mentor, innovator, businessman, statesperson, husband, and father.”

Professor Narine’s nomination for the award included references from globally-recognised scholars and dignitaries. Nominators called him “an accomplished researcher with an international profile, who has demonstrated a capacity to work with business and government partners to translate science into technology.”

Professor Narine was also applauded for “not losing sight of the importance of serving the community”, and was recognised for his work as a member of the Trent University community, Peterborough community, and his commitment to his home country, Guyana.

A talented teacher, Professor Narine has also won numerous teaching awards, including the Students Union Award for Leadership in Undergraduate Teaching from the University of Alberta; an award from the former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, for his contributions to Science and Technology in Canada, and for his contributions in this field towards the development of Guyana; and, more recently, he was named laureate for the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence in the Science and Technology category.

Established in 1986, the Distinguished Research Award is given annually to a member of Trent’s faculty in recognition of outstanding achievement in research and scholarship.

Professor Narine will be presented with the award at Trent University’s Convocation ceremony on Tuesday, June 7, at 10:00 hrs.