Each year, the Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) recognizes individuals whose leadership, creativity, and commitment have advanced the chemical sciences and engineering in Canada. In 2025, six exceptional professionals have been named Fellows of the CIC—an honour reserved for those who have made sustained and distinguished contributions to their fields.
Among this year’s new Fellows are Dr. Shaffiq Jaffer and Dr. James McLellan, two innovators whose work exemplifies the CIC’s mission to champion scientific excellence, foster collaboration, and translate research into real-world impact. Their contributions spanning renewable energy, process innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, reflect the diversity and depth of talent across Canada’s chemical sciences community.
Dr. Shaffiq Jaffer: Advancing Electrochemical Pathways Toward a Low-Carbon Future
Dr. Shaffiq Jaffer’s research focuses on developing electrochemical processes that convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals using renewable electricity. His work aims to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial production and support the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
His team develops novel electrocatalysts, electrode architectures, and cell configurations to improve performance indicators such as reaction rate, energy efficiency, selectivity, and long-term stability key steps toward scalable CO₂ conversion technologies.
Through close collaborations with research groups across Canada, Dr. Jaffer’s efforts have led to innovations across multiple labs across Canada: leading edge in-situ/ in-operando TEM observations of electrocatalysts (McMaster), best in-class performance Copper based catalysts and electrolyzers for CO2 electroconversion to make ethylene (University of Toronto) and novel integrated capture and electroconversion (UBC) are a few examples.
“It is a pleasure to be nominated by a colleague and collaborator for the CIC Fellowship,” Dr. Jaffer said.
These achievements mark early yet impactful progress in addressing climate change. Encouraging and challenging young academics in this area will be key to realizing a truly circular carbon future.
Dr. James McLellan: Building a Culture of Innovation and Leadership in Chemical Engineering
Dr. James McLellan, Professor and former Chair of Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University, is recognized for his contributions to process modeling and control, engineering education, and the promotion of entrepreneurship in science.
His research has advanced statistical analysis and modeling techniques used to optimize and control complex chemical processes. More recently, his work has focused on plastics valorization, developing hybrid chemical and enzymatic methods for converting waste plastics into valuable materials. These approaches contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. His methodological insights have also improved the accuracy and reliability of industrial-scale process models used in various sectors.
Beyond his research, Dr. McLellan has played a leading role in innovation and entrepreneurship training. As co-founder and Academic Director of the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, he has helped more than 10,000 students develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills over the past 13 years. His efforts have supported the creation of new ventures across sustainability, health, and technology.
Nationally, Dr. McLellan serves as National Associate Academic Director of the Invention to Innovation (i2I) program, which has trained over 500 graduate and postdoctoral participants from more than 30 universities in Canada and internationally. He has also contributed to the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation program, supporting over 4,000 young entrepreneurs in Africa.
“Our guiding philosophy has been that everyone has the potential for creative problem-solving,” Dr. McLellan said.
A long-standing member of the CIC and the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE), Dr. McLellan has served as Chair of the Systems and Control Division, President of the CSChE (2012–2013), and a member of the CIC Board of Directors. His leadership has helped guide the Institute’s strategic direction and expand its national impact.
Becoming a CIC Fellow: Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
The CIC Fellowship honours individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in research, education, innovation, and service to the chemical sciences. Fellows are nominated by their peers and selected for their lasting impact on their professions and communities.
Members can get more involved with the CIC or nominate a colleague by joining Divisions, attending conferences, or taking part in volunteer initiatives that foster growth, mentorship, and collaboration.
Through their pioneering research and dedication to mentorship and innovation, Dr. Shaffiq Jaffer and Dr. James McLellan embody the spirit of the CIC Fellowship. As two of six distinguished honourees in 2025, they remind us that advancing chemistry and chemical engineering is not only about discovery, it’s about creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to shaping a sustainable and innovative future for all.