McGill opens state-of-the-art greenhouse and research platform
McGill University has officially opened a new teaching greenhouse and advanced plant phenotyping facilities at its Macdonald Campus, marking a major investment in climate-focused agricultural education and research. Designed for hands-on undergraduate and graduate training, the sustainable greenhouse features controlled growing bays, teaching labs, tissue culture facilities and classrooms, giving students direct experience with modern, climate-smart production systems.
Two AES Staff Members Recognized for Excellence
The Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (AES) is proud to recognize Elaine Quick and Farial Karimian, recipients of this year’s AES Award of Excellence for Administrative and Support Staff.
Convocation 2026 at Macdonald Campus: The Big Day Starts Long Before June 4
As convocation ceremonies continue across McGill University, preparations are reaching their final stage at the Macdonald Campus, where celebrations will begin on June 4. While graduating students prepare to mark the completion of their studies, teams across the campus are focused on ensuring the environment is ready to welcome them and their families.
McGill’s Bravo Gala shines a spotlight on research excellence
At event honouring 116 winners of major awards, keynote speaker and SSHRC Gold Medal recipient Myriam Denov emphasized the importance of listening. McGill celebrated more than 100 researchers at the 21st edition of Bravo, a gala event May 7 honouring the winners of major provincial, national and international research prizes and awards in 2025.
McGill awarded 16 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs
From fundamental physics to child well-being, McGill researchers advance discovery across disciplines McGill has been awarded $18.1 million in federal funding to support 16 Canada Research Chairs – six new and 10 renewed.
Macdonald Scholarship Reception
The most recent Macdonald Scholarship Reception was held with a shared sense of honour and pride on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The occasion brought together members of the Macdonald community to celebrate both the excellence of its student awardees and the generosity of its donors, whose commitment continues to shape meaningful academic pathways.
Food Science Students Selected as Finalists in IFTSA Student Competitions
McGill’s Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry is celebrating an outstanding achievement by its students: all three McGill teams entered into this year’s Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) competitions have been selected as finalists. The teams will represent McGill at the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo in Chicago in July 2026—one of the largest and most influential gatherings in the global food science community.
Building Canada’s Future Environmental Leaders
A new NSERC CREATE initiative, MIXCHEM, is reshaping how Canada prepares researchers to confront the growing challenge of complex chemical mixtures in the environment. Prof. Stéphane Bayen, a leading voice in Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, is helping drive this interdisciplinary program, which blends cutting‑edge analytical training with hands‑on experience across industry, government, and academia.
Remembrance ceremony brings generations together to honour Canadian veterans
On November 6, the John Abbott–Macdonald Remembrance Day Ceremony united students, veterans, and community members in tribute to Canada’s armed forces. Held on the John Abbott College football field, the event featured moving speeches and a solemn wreath-laying at Macdonald Campus’s War Memorial.
WELL-E: Rethinking Cow Care with AI
In Canada, researchers from McGill University’s WELL-E Chair are using artificial intelligence to improve the welfare of dairy cows. At a farm in Montreal, high-definition cameras track cows’ movements, ear positions, and walking patterns to gather behavioral data. These subtle signals help assess the animals’ physical and mental health.
Canada wins bid to host the International Congress of Nutrition
The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) has proudly won the bid to host the International Congress of Nutrition (ICN) 2029 in Vancouver, Canada, marking a major milestone for Canada’s nutrition community.
Cracking the Code of Pre-Harvest Sprouting
Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a major global issue affecting cereal crops like wheat and barley. It occurs when grains begin to germinate on the plant before harvest due to environmental triggers like moisture and humidity, combined with genetic factors such as low seed dormancy. This premature sprouting degrades starch, reducing grain quality and leading to significant economic losses—estimated at $1 billion globally, and $100 million annually in Canada.
Ghana's Cocoa Price Surge: A Bitter Truth for Chocolate Lovers
Last week, La Presse reporters spoke to agronomist and economist Pascal Thériault about a recent price surge of 62.58% for Ghanaian cocoa, a move aimed at supporting its struggling farmers. This significant price hike is expected to affect not only other cocoa-producing countries but also global chocolate manufacturers and consumers.
Pascal Thériault warns consumers to be on the lookout for misleading Canadian labels
Canned soup giant Campbell's has come under fire for engaging in "maple washing" — a marketing tactic where foreign-made products are falsely associated with Canada through the use of maple leaves or vague labels like “Designed in Canada.” This misleading practice gives consumers the impression that products are Canadian when they are not.
Welcome message from the Dean / Message de bienvenue de la doyenne
Dear Macdonald Campus Community,
It is with great excitement and gratitude that I begin my journey as the new Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Associate Vice-President of the Macdonald Campus at McGill University. As I begin my term, I’m excited to connect with each of you - professors, lecturers, staff, learners, students, alumni, donors, and allies. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me.