Igor Kovalchuk

Igor Kovalchuk is a Professor at the University of Lethbridge, affiliated with the Biological Sciences Department and the Agricultural Biotechnology program. His research focuses on genetic and epigenetic regulation of plant stress responses, medicinal cannabis and hemp, and inflammation-related diseases.

• Specializes in transgenerational epigenetics in Arabidopsis thaliana
• Developing novel cannabis varieties for medicinal properties
• Investigating psilocybin effects on inflammation and neurodegenerative models
• Studying combination therapies for diabetes and cancer

Recent publications highlight his work on cannabinoids in β-cell protection, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and stress-induced epigenetic changes. He collaborates extensively in interdisciplinary projects involving bioinformatics, plant biotechnology, and medical applications.

Dr. Kovalchuk’s lab develops scalable tissue culture methods for cannabis and explores the genomic stability of plants under prolonged stress. His work bridges plant science with human health, emphasizing natural product synergy in disease treatment.