MCELLS Educational Outreach Campaign 2025-2028
The UBC Microbial Cell Systems (MCELLS) Research Cluster is a diverse group of multidisciplinary researchers bringing together expertise in science, engineering, architecture, and land and food systems to advance climate-positive innovation across industries through transformative hybrid living materials that redefine sustainability and inspire a resilient future.
Our group focuses on the design and development of engineered living materials (ELMs) for commercial applications in Canada’s construction, energy, food, forestry, and mining sectors. These materials integrate living organisms with natural or synthetic substrates to create multifunctional structures, representing a leading frontier in sustainable materials science.
MCELLS Knowledge Mobilization Program
In the lead up to the 2028 International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) Conference, held in Vancouver, we are planning two major educational initiatives that will reach a variety of audiences:
MCELLS Promotional Video
The promotional video about the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) will act as the launch of the mobilization program, demonstrating the current capacity of microbial cell system research in Canada and their future impacts on innovation. It will be the catalyzer of a program that will include public engagement activities and outreach leading up to the 2028 ISME conference.
MCELLS Podcast Series
Starting in the fall of 2026 the MCELLS Podcast Series will run monthly and will feature conversations with community guests, as well as experts on topics related to microbial ecology, sustainability, and microbial-based innovations. The podcast will serve as a platform to share research, raise awareness of sustainability issues, and highlight potential microbial solutions. It will create an opportunity to connect with local and global communities to discuss the impact of MCELLS and learn about their needs and concerns to inform future research.
MCELLS is seeking support from individuals, and industry & nonprofit partners in order to advance this educational outreach work. Industry and nonprofit partners will have the opportunity to contribute to these public engagement activities while receiving branding exposure through the promotional video and podcast series.
Individuals are also encouraged to donate through our crowdfunding site.
