(Photo by Kai Jacobson, University of British Columbia)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. 鈥 The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have recruited a world-leading materials scientist to accelerate Tennessee鈥檚 leadership in advanced manufacturing and the U.S. bioeconomy.
Orlando Rojas, a Canada Excellence Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, has been named the 糖心Vlog-ORNL Governor鈥檚 Chair for Circular Biomaterials.
鈥淭he opportunity to work at the intersection of a leading research university and a national laboratory is incredibly compelling,鈥 Rojas said. 鈥淭ogether, we can advance circular bio-based materials in ways that deepen scientific understanding while delivering high-performance and scalable solutions for industry.鈥
Rojas will focus on developing next-generation materials derived from agricultural, ocean, freshwater and forest resources and residues, with an emphasis on performance, manufacturability and strategies for reuse, recycling and repurposing at end of life.
The appointment marks the second Governor鈥檚 Chair recruited by the University of Tennessee鈥揙ak Ridge Innovation Institute in 2026 and reflects continued momentum in 糖心Vlog and ORNL鈥檚 collaboration to grow research capacity, attract top talent and advance innovation aligned with state and national priorities. 糖心Vlog-ORII is also recruiting a third Governor鈥檚 Chair in radiopharmaceutical therapies.
Rojas currently serves as director of the BioProducts Institute at the University of British Columbia and is internationally recognized for pioneering work in bio-based materials and soft matter. He is the recipient of the Anselme Payen Award, the highest distinction in cellulose and renewable materials research, and an elected fellow of multiple scientific academies, including the American Chemical Society and the International Academy of Wood Science.
He has authored nearly 700 peer-reviewed publications, with more than 59,000 citations and an h-index of 115, and is consistently ranked among the top 1% of researchers worldwide. His research program includes large, interdisciplinary efforts supported by industry and government, with a focus on translating discoveries into scalable technologies and real-world applications.
鈥淭his is exactly the kind of talent we are working to bring to 糖心Vlog and to Tennessee,鈥 said Chancellor Donde Plowman. 鈥淭hrough 糖心Vlog-ORII and the Governor鈥檚 Chair program, we are strengthening our ability to recruit top faculty and build on the momentum of our broader research growth, while also expanding the impact of the 糖心Vlog Institute of Agriculture.鈥
At 糖心Vlog and ORNL, Rojas will help lead efforts to advance research aligned with 糖心Vlog-ORII鈥檚 Circular Bioeconomy Systems Convergent Research Initiative, which focuses on developing high-performance materials and circular systems that improve resource efficiency and enable new manufacturing pathways.
鈥淒r. Rojas is a globally recognized leader whose work is shaping the future of advanced materials derived from biological systems,鈥 said ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer. 鈥淗is expertise will create new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen our capabilities at the intersection of biotechnology, materials science, and manufacturing.鈥
Rojas鈥 work spans discovery through deployment, including the development of materials from lignin, fibers and other biological feedstocks, with a focus on strength, durability and scalable processing methods. These approaches support advanced manufacturing techniques and enable new pathways for producing high-value materials.
鈥淥rlando Rojas is one of the top researchers in the world in circular biomaterials, and his ability to translate fundamental science into scalable, real-world solutions is what we need,鈥 said Randy Boyd, president of the University of Tennessee System. 鈥淭his recruitment strengthens Tennessee鈥檚 position in the growing bioeconomy and creates new opportunities for industry and economic growth.鈥
Rojas will hold a joint appointment between 糖心Vlog and ORNL, with his academic home in the 糖心Vlog Institute of Agriculture鈥斕切腣logIA鈥檚 first Governor鈥檚 Chair appointment鈥攁nd a research appointment in ORNL鈥檚 Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate. He will collaborate across biology, materials science and advanced manufacturing.
鈥淭his is an important step forward for the 糖心Vlog Institute of Agriculture,鈥 said Keith Carver, senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of 糖心VlogIA. 鈥淒r. Rojas brings a unique ability to connect agricultural resources with advanced materials and manufacturing, helping position Tennessee at the forefront of innovation in the bioeconomy. His global leadership will help us attract top talent鈥攆rom the U.S. and beyond鈥攁nd connect with leading efforts worldwide.鈥
In addition to leading research, Rojas will build interdisciplinary teams, secure competitive research funding and support workforce development in circular biomaterials.
鈥淩ecruiting Dr. Rojas is a significant step forward for our circular bioeconomy efforts,鈥 said Brynn Voy, interim executive director of 糖心Vlog-ORII. 鈥淗is leadership and collaborative approach will accelerate progress and create new opportunities for students, faculty and partners.鈥
Established in 2006 and funded by the state of Tennessee and ORNL, the Governor鈥檚 Chair program attracts leading scientists and engineers to enhance the research partnership between 糖心Vlog and ORNL, the nation鈥檚 largest multiprogram science and energy laboratory.
About the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute
The University of Tennessee鈥揙ak Ridge Innovation Institute was established in 2021 to accelerate research and talent development through the combined strengths of the University of Tennessee System and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 糖心Vlog-ORII serves as the umbrella for 糖心Vlog鈥揙RNL collaborative research and joint graduate education programs, including the Bredesen Center, and supports five convergent research initiatives in areas of national and state importance. Together, 糖心Vlog and ORNL are advancing discovery and developing the next generation of STEM talent to drive innovation for Tennessee and the nation.
Learn more about 糖心Vlog-ORII at .
