February 16, 2006

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

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

Drs. Bohlmann and Huber will shed light on the knowledge generated inforestry genomics could assist in protecting BC’s forests from futureinfestations such as the pine beetle.
Since 1995, Dr. Bohlmann has established a research program on chemicaldefense mechanisms of forest trees. Research in his laboratoriesincludes forestry genomics, natural product biochemistry, and themolecular biology of plant defenses. Dr. Bohlmann has won severalnational and international awards and presented lectures and seminarsaround the world. Dr. Bohlmann holds several patents from his researchon plant and tree biotechnology.

Dr. Huber recently came from the University of California in Davis. Thegoal of his research is to better understand the chemical warfare thatoccurs between insects, such as the mountain pine beetle, and the treesand plants upon which they feed. He arrived at UNBC in 2005.
Genome British Columbia is a research organization that invests in andmanages large-scale genomics and proteomics research projects andscience and technology platforms focused on human health, forestry,fisheries, ethics, agriculture and the environment. Currently theorganization manages an investment of $273 million and employs almost300 people.

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

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