Dr Blouw's renewed appointment is for a five-year term commencing July 1, 2002.

"Max has performed an outstanding service to UNBC in his first term and we look forward to a further expansion of the University's role as a major centre of research during his second term of appointment" says UNBC President Dr Charles Jago. "Dr Blouw has achieved national distinction as an advocate for university research and his continuing leadership will be welcomed both within UNBC and among universities throughout Canada."

Dr Blouw first came to UNBC in 1995 as a Professor in the Biology program. He was appointed Associate Vice-President Research and Dean of Graduate Studies in 1997. In 2000, his position was changed to Vice-President Research. In addition to his responsibilities at UNBC, he serves on advisory committees to the Minister of Health Canada and to the federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Council. He is an active member of the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, including service as Chair of the Scholarships and Fellowships Committee. He continues to be an active researcher in the related fields of fisheries ecology and genetics, fish-forestry interactions, and ecological genetics.