On March 1st  at 7:00 pm, in the Canfor Theatre at UNBC, members of the public are invited to attend a public lecture presented by two forestry genomics experts on two different aspects of the topic Conifer Forest Health: Genes + Chemistry in Tree-Insect Interactions.

Dr. Jorg Bohlmann, a professor in the UBC Biotechnology Laboratory is a world-renowned researcher specializing in Tree Biotechnology. Dr. Dezene Huber is a Canada Research Chair at UNBC, specializing in forest entomology and chemical ecology.

Drs. Bohlmann and Huber will shed light on the knowledge generated in forestry genomics could assist in protecting BC’s forests from future infestations such as the pine beetle.
Since 1995, Dr. Bohlmann has established a research program on chemical defense mechanisms of forest trees. Research in his laboratories includes forestry genomics, natural product biochemistry, and the molecular biology of plant defenses. Dr. Bohlmann has won several national and international awards and presented lectures and seminars around the world. Dr. Bohlmann holds several patents from his research on plant and tree biotechnology.

Dr. Huber recently came from the University of California in Davis. The goal of his research is to better understand the chemical warfare that occurs between insects, such as the mountain pine beetle, and the trees and plants upon which they feed. He arrived at UNBC in 2005.
Genome British Columbia is a research organization that invests in and manages large-scale genomics and proteomics research projects and science and technology platforms focused on human health, forestry, fisheries, ethics, agriculture and the environment. Currently the organization manages an investment of $273 million and employs almost 300 people.

By working collaboratively with all levels of government, universities and industry, Genome BC is the catalyst for a vibrant, genomics-driven life sciences cluster with far reaching social and economic benefits for the province and Canada. Genome BC's major investors are Genome Canada and the Province of British Columbia. This funding is complemented by other private and public investments.

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622