05/08/2026
Spotlight on Professors Michael Rogers, Paul Spagnuolo and the Guelph Food Innovation Centre.
Exploring the intersection of food, health, and innovation, Michael Rogers, Chair of the Food Science Department at the University of Guelph, is redefining how we think about the foods of the future.
Through his research in Biomaterial by Design, Professor Rogers investigates the evolution of the human diet and its impact on health—advancing the development of next-generation formulated foods that prioritize nutrition at a molecular level. His work also explores how small molecules can be programmed to self-assemble, bridging the gap from foods to medicine and beyond.
From fundamental science to transformative applications, his research is shaping a new frontier where food is not only nourishment, but a powerful tool for health innovation.
Advancing the power of food to improve human health, Paul Spagnuolo is at the forefront of research focused on Targeting Disease with Food.
His work centers on the discovery and validation of bioactive compounds, alongside the development of enhanced functional foods designed to deliver measurable health benefits. By investigating the safety and efficacy of these bioactives, Professor Spagnuolo is helping to translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that support disease prevention and treatment.
With expertise in nutraceuticals and their applications, his research continues to bridge the gap between food science and medicine—shaping a future where food plays a critical role in targeted health outcomes.
Centre Spotlight: Guelph Food Innovation Centre (GFIC)
At the heart of collaboration and innovation within the University of Guelph’s Food Science Department, the Guelph Food Innovation Centre (GFIC) connects research, industry, and application.
GFIC serves as a hub for translating food science expertise into real-world solutions—supporting product development, process innovation, and industry partnerships. Through its integrated approach, the Centre brings together scientific knowledge and practical experience to help advance food innovation from concept to commercialization.
From supporting pilot-scale development to fostering collaboration between academia and industry, GFIC plays a key role in driving innovation across the agri-food sector—empowering ideas to become impactful food solutions.
Come and have a tour of the Guelph Food Innovation Centre at the Food Science Research Day.
