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At Canpro Nutrition Association, our Distinguished Specialists represent the pinnacle of expertise in protein nutrition, quality assurance, and sustainable innovation.

At Canpro Nutrition Association, our Distinguished Specialists represent the pinnacle of expertise in protein nutrition, quality assurance, and sustainable innovation. This carefully selected panel of renowned experts collaborates with our organization to advance the protein sector through their exceptional knowledge, experience, and visionary perspectives.

Our Distinguished Specialists

Our Distinguished Specialists represent diverse disciplines and perspectives within the protein sector. Each brings unique expertise that strengthens our collective impact.

Dr. Collin K. K. Yong, BSc, MB.ChB, FAAP, FRCP(C)

Dr. Yong is a distinguished pediatrician and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia who brings exceptional expertise in pediatric nutrition and international health perspectives to Canpro Nutrition Association. With extensive experience at BC Children’s Hospital and as former Chair of Pediatrics at United Family Hospital in Shanghai, Dr. Yong bridges clinical practice with research innovation. His work on cultural adaptation of evidence-based medicine resources and leadership of the Total Health Medical and Dental Conference demonstrates his commitment to accessible healthcare knowledge. Dr. Yong’s international humanitarian work across Asia and published research in pediatric medicine enriches our understanding of nutritional needs across diverse populations and developmental stages.

Luke Simonson, [Credentials, e.g., MSc, RAC]

Former Senior Regulatory Specialist, Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate, Health Canada Mr. Simonson brings to Canpro Nutrition Association a rare insider’s command of the Canadian regulatory framework that governs the protein and supplement industry. Over [X] years with Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), he contributed to the assessment, licensing, and post-market oversight of natural health products under the Natural Health Products Regulations (SOR/2003-196) — the very regime under which protein powders, amino acid supplements, sports nutrition products, and functional protein formulations are authorized for sale in Canada. His direct experience evaluating product license applications (PLAs), site licenses, claim substantiation evidence, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance gives Canpro unmatched depth in translating regulatory expectation into industry practice. Mr. Simonson’s perspective is particularly valuable for the supplement category, where the line between food, NHP, and pharmaceutical claims is most frequently tested. He advises on label compliance, NPN/DIN-HM submission strategy, evidence standards for structure-function claims, and the regulatory implications of Health Canada’s ongoing transition of NHPs under the Food and Drugs Act (Vanessa’s Law / Bill C-47). For Canpro members navigating ingredient innovation — from novel plant proteins and collagen peptides to probiotic-fortified protein blends — his counsel helps anticipate compliance pathways before product development is committed. Beyond his technical contribution, Mr. Simonson reinforces Canpro’s mission to set standards that are both scientifically rigorous and commercially achievable, strengthening the bridge between regulators, producers, and the consumers they serve.

Dr. Zhonghui Liu, [MD, PhD]

Renowned Geriatric Medicine Specialist; Authority in Organ-Targeted Anti-Aging Dr. Liu is one of China’s most respected authorities in geriatric medicine, bringing to Canpro Nutrition Association decades of clinical and research leadership at the intersection of aging biology and organ function preservation. As [Chief Physician / Professor at Institution Name] and [a leading figure / founding member] of [Association / Research Center Name], Dr. Liu has dedicated his career to translating cellular and molecular aging science into clinical interventions that protect cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, musculoskeletal, and cognitive function across the human lifespan. His [X]+ years of experience treating elderly patients and his extensive published work on organ-specific aging mechanisms position him as a uniquely qualified voice on how nutritional science — and protein nutrition in particular — can intervene at the cellular level to preserve healthspan. Dr. Liu’s expertise is especially valuable to Canpro members working in the natural health product and functional protein categories. From sarcopenia prevention through high-quality protein and essential amino acid intake, to renal-safe protein dosing for older adults, to the emerging science of senescence-modulating nutrients (NAD+ precursors, ergothioneine, akkermansia, collagen peptides), Dr. Liu’s clinical perspective ensures that the Association’s standards and educational resources are grounded in real geriatric outcomes — not just laboratory endpoints. His involvement strengthens Canpro’s authority on one of the protein sector’s fastest-growing and most clinically demanding markets: nutrition for healthy aging.

Dr. Richard Collins, [PhD]

Scientific Spokesperson, UltraSpec Lab Ltd.; Renowned Bioinformatics Authority and Industry Consultant Dr. Collins brings to Canpro Nutrition Association a rare combination of computational science depth and hands-on industry experience that the modern protein and natural health product sector increasingly demands. As the Scientific Spokesperson for UltraSpec Lab Ltd. — a Health Canada-credentialed analytical and R&D laboratory based in Victoria, British Columbia — Dr. Collins translates complex laboratory and computational findings into rigorous, decision-ready evidence for industry stakeholders. His [X]+ years in bioinformatics span [genomic / proteomic / metabolomic / cheminformatic] data analysis, dose-response and bioavailability modeling, biomarker discovery for claim substantiation, and the integration of multi-omics datasets to characterize how nutrients and bioactives interact with human physiology. Dr. Collins’s expertise is especially consequential for the natural health product category, where evidence quality often determines both regulatory success and consumer trust. He has consulted widely across the supplement industry on ingredient screening, novel bioactive characterization (including NAD+ precursors, ergothioneine, polyphenols, and protein-derived peptides), formulation optimization, and the design of analytical and clinical evidence packages capable of withstanding peer, regulatory, and marketplace scrutiny. For Canpro members, Dr. Collins’s contribution strengthens the Association’s ability to anchor its production rules, classification standards, and educational resources in current best-practice analytical and computational science — ensuring that “quality assurance” is not a slogan, but a measurable, data-driven discipline.

William Li, Red Seal Chef

Chef Li brings world-class culinary expertise to Canpro Nutrition Association as the Chef de Cuisine at L’abattoir, one of Canada’s top-ranked restaurants. With over eight years of experience in premier fine dining establishments, Chef Li combines technical precision with creative innovation in protein preparation and presentation. His deep understanding of classical and modern French techniques, particularly in fish and protein handling, provides valuable practical insights into culinary applications of protein science. An award-winning culinary professional, Chef Li’s expertise in menu development, quality assurance, and food safety standards strengthens our organization’s ability to bridge nutritional science with exceptional culinary implementation and consumer experience.

About Our Distinguished Specialists Program

The Distinguished Specialists program brings together leading authorities from diverse backgrounds—including academic researchers, industry innovators, policy experts, and clinical practitioners—who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Unlike regular membership, the Distinguished Specialist designation is offered by invitation only to select individuals who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership in areas aligned with our mission.

Role and Contributions

Our Distinguished Specialists play a vital role in shaping the future of the protein sector by:

  • Advancing Industry Standards: Contributing to the development of comprehensive production rules, quality traceability systems, and classification standards that elevate the entire protein industry.
  • Bridging Research and Practice: Facilitating the translation of cutting-edge scientific discoveries into practical applications that benefit producers, consumers, and the environment.
  • Providing Expert Guidance: Offering specialized insights that inform our initiatives, publications, and educational resources on protein nutrition and sustainability.
  • Fostering Innovation: Identifying emerging trends, technologies, and approaches that will shape the future of protein production and consumption.

Selection Process

The Distinguished Specialist designation represents our highest recognition of professional excellence. Candidates are identified through a rigorous process that evaluates:

  • Significant contributions to advancing knowledge in their field
  • Demonstrated leadership and innovation
  • Alignment with Canpro Nutrition Association’s mission and values
  • Commitment to evidence-based approaches and scientific integrity
  • Potential to make meaningful contributions to our initiatives

Connect With Our Specialists

Distinguished Specialists participate in various Canpro Nutrition Association activities, including:

  • Expert panels and roundtable discussions
  • Keynote presentations at our events
  • Contributions to our Knowledge Center resources
  • Collaborative research and innovation initiatives

For inquiries regarding our Distinguished Specialists program, please contact specialists@protein.ngo.