The Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM) is pleased to announce the renewal of Dr. Thomas Netticadan as Team Lead for a three-year term, effective April 1, 2025. Dr. Netticadan, who has made remarkable strides in advancing the field of agri-food research, has been an integral part of CCARM since 2007. His leadership and vision have driven the institution forward, fostering research that bridges the gap between food science, health, and the agri-food industry.

Dr. Netticadan’s dedication to understanding the health benefits of natural compounds in foods, particularly those with cardiovascular benefits such as resveratrol found in grapes and berries, has earned him international recognition. As Principal Investigator in the Heart Failure Research Laboratory at CCARM and Acting Associate Director at the Morden Research and Development Centre (MRDC), he has spearheaded numerous initiatives that integrate science into practical solutions for public health.

“I am deeply honoured to continue in this leadership role for another three years,” Dr. Netticadan remarked. “It has been a pleasure working with such an outstanding group of researchers, partners, and stakeholders. Together, we will continue to enhance CCARM’s capacity to create innovative, evidence-based solutions that will improve the health and well-being of Canadians.”

Dr. Netticadan’s multifaceted background includes a BSc in Chemistry, a Master’s in Biochemistry, and a PhD in Physiology from the University of Bombay, India. He completed his postdoctoral training at Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France, and at the University of Western Ontario. Before becoming Team Lead, Dr. Netticadan served as a Principal Investigator at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Research Centre, and as an Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba.

Since taking on the role of Team Lead in 2022, Dr. Netticadan has focused on expanding CCARM’s research into functional foods and nutraceuticals. His work has emphasized the importance of integrating health-driven research into the agri-food value chain, from plant breeding and food processing to regulatory practices and consumer health benefits. He aims to ensure that research from CCARM not only advances scientific understanding but is directly applicable to improving the diets and health of Canadians.

“Dr. Netticadan is a leader whose research and focus on collaboration and networking have significantly enhanced CCARM’s role in agri-food innovation,” said Dr. Michael Czubryt, Executive Director of Research at St. Boniface Hospital. “We are thrilled that he will continue to lead CCARM for another three years.”

Under Dr. Netticadan’s leadership, CCARM has fostered meaningful partnerships with other institutions and organizations, including the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Transfer, the Food Development Centre, the Canadian Grain Commission, and the Prairie Research Kitchen. He has also actively worked to break down institutional silos by organizing workshops and establishing global platforms to disseminate CCARM’s findings to a broader audience.

In 2024, Dr. Netticadan organized and chaired a major International Conference on Advances in the Health Benefits of Agri-Foods, a milestone event that helped elevate CCARM’s profile globally. His commitment to training the next generation of researchers is also evident in the successful International Trainee Symposium he organized in 2023.

“Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s partnership with CCARM is a unique example of a farm-to-bench-to-fork-to-bedside research concept that Dr. Netticadan’s leadership and collaborative approach will continue to advance,” said Dr. Felicitas Katepa-Mupondwa, AAFC Director General, Science and Technology Branch for the Prairie Region. “I’d like to wish Dr. Netticadan all the best as he continues to lead the team at CCARM.”

Looking forward, Dr. Netticadan plans to continue strengthening CCARM’s translational research, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs are not only understood in the lab but also bring tangible benefits to consumers, food producers, and farmers. His focus will be on developing food crops with enhanced nutritional and health benefits, which can contribute to improved public health while also supporting Canada’s agricultural sector.

“I am extremely grateful for the support from everyone at CCARM, and I look forward to continuing our work together,” Dr. Netticadan added. “The success of CCARM is a collective effort, and I’m eager to lead this extraordinary team to new heights in the years to come.”

CCARM, a unique collaboration between St. Boniface Hospital, the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, has been a pioneer in translating laboratory research into practical solutions that impact human health. With Dr. Netticadan’s leadership, CCARM is poised for continued success in advancing both scientific knowledge and the health of Canadians.

Congratulations to Dr. Thomas Netticadan on his renewed leadership at CCARM, and best wishes for another successful term ahead.