Algoma University has named Dr. Pedro Antunes as its research chair of invasive species.
He will be tasked with developing a stable of researchers through the Sault Ste. Marie university's new Invasive Species Research Institute to conduct work on the “critical priorities” in the province, states a Feb. 1 Ontario government press release.
Antunes will also work closely with government researchers at the Invasive Species Centre, a new research wing located at the federal forestry lab in the Sault.
“The naming of the chair is an important step forward in meeting our province's commitment to addressing invasive species,” said Natural Resources minister Linda Jeffrey in a statement. The Ontario government is committing $800,000 over five years for the research chair.
Antunes began his academic studies in biology at the University of Evora in Portugal. His expertise in plants and associated microorganisms has led him to PhD study at the University of Guelph and at Freir University in Germany.
His research focus has been on the roles that soil organisms play in controlling or facilitating invasive by non-native organisms.
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