4 minutes with… Dr. Donald L. Smith, McGill University, CEO and Scientific Director of BioFuelNet

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the advanced bioeconomy.

BioFuelNet is a not-for-profit company whose objective is to network all elements (academic, industry, government) of the advanced biofuels community in Canada in order to accelerate development of a sustainable advanced biofuels industry. We are funded by the Canadian Networks of Centres of Excellence program and hosted by McGill University.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

We are focused on networking the advanced biofuels community and supporting research that fills data gaps or addresses technology bottlenecks. We support research in feedstocks, conversion and utilization. We also support a group focused on Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability (SEES). At this time we are also putting in place some key task forces, to focus on areas identified as most critical for the community. These are 1. Low cost sustainable feedstocks, 2. Policy, 3. Forestry, 4 Transportation (with an emphasis on aviation at this time). In addition, we are currently establishing a financial group for this sector, within Canada.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

1. Secure reliable sources of feedstock material.

2. Consistent government policy.

3. Reliable access to financing.

4. Appropriate off take agreements for the biofuels and bioproducts produced.

5. Supportive research and technology development.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change?

The support from both government (policy) and general society.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you.

I am looking for reliable sources of sustainable fuels. For me, a long term objective is elimination of greenhouse gas production.

Where are you from? 

From Canada. Born in Saskatchewan, grew up in Nova Scotia.

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway? 

Biology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia

Who do you consider your mentors. What have you learned from them?

Jim Lane for one!

Also Esteban Chornet of Enerkem.

There really are many others!

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

Things change! There will be times when things are more favorable and others when they are less. Persistence is important.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry? 

Reading, gardening, travel.

What 3 books would you take to read, if stranded on a desert island?

The Master and Margarita

Catch 22

The Tin Drum

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?

Scientific American – regularly

The faith instinct: How religion evolved and why it endures.

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

Any place culturally different.