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Winnipeg, MB — November 19, 2024 — A University of Manitoba researcher has developed a sustainable method for extracting high-quality oils and producing a solvent-free canola meal — free of residual oil — ideal for use in the plant-based protein industry.

The game-changing work has earned Dr. Nazanin Vafaei a Mitacs Innovation Award — Outstanding Innovation, presented by Mitacs, a Canadian innovation leader. Mitacs connects businesses and researchers to drive competitiveness and productivity in sectors such  as agriculture, energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and Indigenous economic development. The award will be presented at a ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on November 19.

Dr. Vafaei — a University of Manitoba postdoctoral researcher at the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research under the supervision of Professor Martin Scanlon — is being recognized for her innovative work to develop advanced methods for extracting high-quality oils from plant-based sources that don’t require solvents and work at low temperatures, helping to preserve the functional and nutritional value of the oil extracted. Her approach is unique because she’s applying techniques that up until now have only been used for producing essential oils or decaffeinated coffees in North America.

The new techniques, developed in partnership with the Canola Council of Canada with the support of Mitacs, produce sustainable cooking oils and high-protein meals. They also result in a 99.9% oil yield, leaving a dry, high-quality plant protein behind that is an excellent source for meat alternatives and other emerging plant-based foods.

“Mitacs made it possible for me to attend one of the largest conferences in the food processing industry, where I gathered extensive knowledge,” said Dr. Vafaei, expressing excitement for the support received over the years and now, the recognition with the award. “None of this could have happened without Mitacs. I’m extremely happy and proud to be doing this work.”

Dr. Vafaei has also developed an eco-friendly, healthier alternative to palm oil — a food product that is found in nearly one out of every two packaged food products — by developing more sustainable methods for producing the hard fat from plant-based sources such as soybeans and canola seeds. These fats are designed to serve as healthier alternatives to palm oil in shortenings, margarines, and other food applications.

“Our goal is to expand this ‘green’ method for any type of oil seed, providing pure and nutritious oils and meal proteins to the food processing industry, and using it in the production of hard fat as low-calorie substitutes in many applications,” said Dr. Vafaei, explaining that although palm oil is considered a slightly healthier alternative to trans fats, it is still high in saturated fat, meaning it can raise bad cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

“By removing the need for solvents, we’re also using less energy,” she added, pointing to the high environmental impact of solvents, including storage and disposal.

Dr. Vafaei credits her mother for inspiring her research path through teachings about the necessity of protecting the environment. Moving forward, she is making it her mission to scale sustainable methods. To do so, she will be part of a larger collaboration that includes researchers from the University of Saskatchewan, University of Guelph and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) in Ontario, and the University of Manitoba.

“When I first learned about the high environmental impact of our food processing industry, including the devastation of our tropical forests to make room for palm plantations, it blew my mind,” she said. “It’s my hope to provide a sustainable, eco-friendly, healthier alternative.”

The Mitacs Innovation Award — Outstanding Innovation recognizes extraordinary talent from across Canada whose Mitacs-funded research has potential to achieve larger societal and economic impacts, driving innovation and broadening our understanding of the world around us. Mitacs programs are supported by funding from the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments across the country.

Dr. Vafaei is one of eight Mitacs Innovation Awards winners nationally, chosen from thousands of researchers who take part in Mitacs programs each year, and one of four winners in the Outstanding Innovation category. Additional 2024 categories, updated with a fresh look to better reflect Canada’s innovation landscape, include: Canadian Start-Up Innovator of the Year, Canadian Enterprise Innovator of the Year, Outstanding Research Leadership and Inclusive Innovator of the Year.

In congratulating the winners, Mitacs’s CEO Dr. Stephen Lucas reflected on the organization's long history and proven track record as a Canadian innovation leader. “Not only do these awards recognize achievements of exceptional innovators across Manitoba and Canada, but they also highlight the infinite potential for impact when creative leaders work together.”

“As Mitacs celebrates 25 years as a leader in Canadian innovation, we reaffirm our belief that partnerships between research, enterprises, and talent — like the ones we honour with the Mitacs Innovation Awards — are key to a successful, prosperous Canada,” Dr. Lucas said.

For more information about the Mitacs Innovation Awards and a full list of winners, visit www.mitacs.ca/newsroom.