UBC chemist awarded national early-career fellowship
October 31, 2025
Dr. Zachary Hudson, a UBC chemist developing advanced materials that are transforming how we diagnose disease, reduce electricity consumption and reduce plastic waste, has been awarded an Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship.
He is among six promising early-career academic researchers honoured with the prestigious fellowships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada this week. The awards are designed to empower young investigators to expand their research capabilities and emerge as leaders who will inspire the next generation.
“These awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of Canada’s scientists and researchers who are at the heart of groundbreaking discoveries and cutting-edge innovations that strengthen our society, build our economy and spark new opportunities for Canadians,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions in making the announcement.
“Our government is strengthening Canada’s position as a global leader by investing in world-class talent and fuelling a thriving science and innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Hudson’s research focuses on designing light-emitting materials for use in electronics, healthcare, and sustainable packaging. His team has created fluorescent nanoparticles that detect cancer cells, an innovation with the potential to expand access to diagnostics in rural and remote communities. He also develops organic semiconductors that can be manufactured at low cost, paving the way for more affordable, energy-efficient lighting and miniaturized electronics.
His work on compostable plastics has already led to commercial products that help reduce environmental waste—including a coffee pod that composts completely in as little as 35 days in industrial compost. The pods are made from two specially engineered components: an outer fibre jacket and a bioplastic inner capsule designed to break down into carbon dioxide, water and organic biomass – leaving no microplastic behind.
Dr. Hudson is creating practical solutions to global challenges with a combination of chemistry, nanoscience, and engineering, and his research will help deliver advanced electronics, better healthcare, and greener technologies to communities across Canada and around the world.
The fellowship is among honours recognizing 19 of Canada’s top scientists and engineers—along with nine industry partners—announced by NSERC.
Read the announcement on the UBC VPRI website
https://research.ubc.ca/news/october-30-2025/dr-zachary-hudson-awarded-…
Read the NSERC announcement
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NewsDetail-DetailNouvelles_eng.asp?ID=1554
