Elizabeth Edwards (photo by Johnny Guatto)
Elizabeth Edwards receives Miroslaw Romanowski Medal
Published: September 15, 2026
Elizabeth Edwards, a University Professor in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, has received the Royal Society of Canada's Miroslaw Romanowski Medal.
The medal recognizes significant contributions to resolving scientific aspects of environmental issues or important improvements to the quality of an ecosystem..
Edwards was honoured for research on the remediation of contaminated groundwater, wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion. Her work demonstrated that microbes can degrade petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated industrial solvents in oxygen-free environments. A microbial culture developed by her lab, KB-1, and derivative cultures have been used at more than 900 sites worldwide.
“Professor Edwards’s pioneering research and leadership in the field of bioremediation of contaminated groundwater has resulted in groundbreaking methods and tools for restoring this essential resource,” said Chris Yip, dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
“On behalf of the faculty, my warmest congratulations to her on this well-deserved honour.”
