Bernard Duncker

Bernard Duncker is a Professor at the University of Waterloo and Associate Vice-President (Research and International). His research uses Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate cancer-related cell cycle mechanisms, focusing on protein factors controlling DNA replication initiation. He contributes to the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology and Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research.

Educational background includes a Ph.D. in Biology (1995, Queen's University) and a B.Sc. in Biology (1988, University of Ottawa). His research combines molecular genetics with bioinformatics to study replication origins and regulatory kinase complexes.

• DNA replication
• Cell cycle checkpoints
• Molecular Genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Physiology
• Microbiology

Recent publications highlight mechanistic studies of kinase complexes (Dbf4/Cdc7, Clb/Cdc28) in replication control, structural analyses of protein interactions, and comparative oncology research in rainbow trout. Homologous proteins identified in yeast and humans show diagnostic potential for malignancies.

• University of Waterloo Outstanding Performance Award (2008, 2013)
• Ontario Early Researcher Award (2005-2010)
• Canadian Cancer Society Research Scientist Award (2003-2009)
• NCIC Terry Fox Postdoctoral Fellowship (1997-2000)

As Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Science and Senate member, he contributes to academic governance. Taught BIOL 434 - Human Molecular Genetics in 2020, demonstrating commitment to education and molecular biology instruction.