Our team
For 30 years, Novalait’s leadership, know-how and investment in research have ensured the development and valorization of knowledge to stimulate innovation and promote the sustainable development of Quebec’s dairy industry.
Our Management Team
Novalait is managed by a permanent team dedicated to fulfilling its mission.
Élise Gosselin
General Manager
Trained in agronomy, Élise Gosselin specialized in the transition of dairy farms to organic farming. She joined Novalait in 2000 and has been General Manager since 2015. In this position, she plays a crucial role in forging scientific and financial partnerships to support research projects relevant to farms and dairy plants.
Jacques LeBlanc
Project Manager
Trained in agronomy, Jacques LeBlanc has developed solid experience in managing agricultural and agri-food projects, notably during his time at the CRAAQ. He joined the Novalait team in 2024, and his main mandate is to manage the Carbon Neutral Milk Living Laboratory. He positions dairy producers at the heart of innovation, and coordinates research activities and the implementation of the strategic vision of Carbon-Neutral Milk Living Laboratory.
Charlène Paradis
Communications Manager
Charlène Paradis obtained her master’s degree in Quebec history, and since then has accumulated over 15 years of experience in research, communications and marketing. She has worked on various communications strategy projects for public organizations and private companies. As head of communications at Novalait, her role is to promote the organization and implement innovative strategies to maximize the impact of research in the dairy sector.
Maude Blouin
Knowledge Transfer Officer
Maude Blouin holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food science and technology from Université Laval. With a wealth of experience in the dairy industry, from artisan cheese-making to the valorization of milk solids non fat, she has also distinguished herself through her participation in scientific conferences and popularization activities. As Knowledge Transfer Officer at Novalait, she draws on her passion for the dairy sector, her creativity and her leadership to maximize the impact of her research and the people behind it.
Blandine Bulot
Innovation Development Officer – Laboratoire vivant Lait Carboneutre
Blandine Bulot holds a Master’s degree in plant biology, and began her career researching the genetic improvement of horticultural plants at Université Laval. She worked on crop optimization and the valorization of scientific results. Today, as innovation development officer for Carbon-Neutral Milk Living Laboratory, she supports researchers and dairy producers in the development of sustainable innovations. Her expertise in agronomy and knowledge transfer will be an asset to the project.
Our research council
The Research Council advises the Board of Directors on strategic issues relating to the development of research and the transfer of results. It is made up of four specialists in milk production and processing, plus two external experts with in-depth knowledge of the dairy sector, research and innovation.
Our committees
Novalait relies on the expertise of its shareholders and partners to review research priorities, develop projects, evaluate researchers’ proposals, monitor researchers’ work and recommend strategies for communicating results. The Board of Directors determines the role of the committees and their composition.
Project Development Committee
In addition to calling on the creativity of researchers, Novalait launches research initiatives, particularly for large-scale projects. During the development of these initiatives, project development committees are set up to identify research teams and establish scientific programming in partnership. The members of these committees master the strategic issues related to the initiative, and have the practical and scientific knowledge needed to co-develop the research.
Selection Committee
This committee evaluates research proposals submitted to Novalait and recommends projects for funding. The selection committee also suggests improvements to selected projects, identifies reasons for rejection and points for improvement for projects that are worth resubmitting.
Steering Committee
Novalait monitors research projects through steering committees made up of its shareholders and transfer stakeholders. The role of the steering committees is to identify potential applications and benefits of the results, and to recommend appropriate transfer strategies for farms and dairy plants.
