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NSAC awarded third Canada Research Chair valued at $500,000
Bible Hill--Research excellence at NSAC was awarded today with the presentation of a Canada Research Chair valued at $500,000 to the Bible Hill university.
Dr. Sean Myles was awarded a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Agricultural Genetic Diversity valued at $100,000 annually for the duration of the term. Tier II Chair positions are tenable for five years, renewable once, and are intended for exceptional emerging researchers, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field.
Dr. Myles’ proposed research focuses on exploiting genomics technologies to promote the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the fruit growing industry. His research will focus on apples and grapes, two important fruit crops internationally and locally in Nova Scotia.
DNA sequencing has recently become so inexpensive that the genomes of nearly all organisms important to humans will likely be sequenced within the coming decade. Dr. Myles, co-located at the Kentville Research Station, intends to exploit this genomic information to identify the genes underlying important traits like yield and disease resistance in fruit crops.
These insights will then be used to more cost effectively and efficiently breed improved cultivars that have desirable characteristics and require less chemical input.
“The Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association is very pleased that Dr. Myles will be developing new tools to accelerate the apple breeding process,” said Executive Director Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association Dela Erith. “These tools will move the industry forward quickly with the evaluation of the many new varieties currently being tested in Nova Scotia for commercial production.”
NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.
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