Digvir Jayas appointed to national research council

Digvir Jayas

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) today announced the appointment of University of Manitoba’s Vice-President (Research and International), Distinguished Professor and U of M alumnus Digvir Jayas as a member of their Council.

Collectively, NSERC Council members represent the academic research and private sector communities in the natural sciences and engineering. The Council works to achieve the maximum strategic impact for Canada from the expenditure of public funds and to advance Canada’s research and development agenda.

“We are proud to learn of Dr. Jayas’s appointment to NSERC Council,” said Dr. David T. Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manitoba. “His record of exceptional research contributions as well as his leadership in driving new research initiatives at our institution will help serve the interests of NSERC in delivering on the government’s science and technology priorities.”

Jayas is a Registered Professional Engineer and a Registered Professional Agrologist. He held a Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems, and conducts research in the areas of physical properties of agricultural products; modified atmosphere storage of grains, oilseeds, potatoes, and meats; mathematical modeling of biological systems; and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the agri-food industry.  He has authored or co-authored over 800 technical articles in scientific journals, conference proceedings and books.

Jayas’s appointment continues the legacy of service by preceding professors at the University of Manitoba, notably Dr. Joanne Keselman (2001 – 2008) and Dr. James Blatz (2009 – 2014). Jayas’s appointment is for three years beginning December 17, 2013.

NSERC is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports almost 30,000 post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding approximately 12,000 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging over 2,400 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.