معرفی
Charles Després is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University, with a focus on plant immunity and molecular mechanisms. He is a founding member of the Advanced Biomanufacturing Centre (ABC), established in 2012 with $1M funding from Brock University. His research integrates molecular, biochemical, and chemical tools to understand plant defense signaling pathways, particularly involving salicylic acid receptors and agrochemical discovery. He has received prestigious awards, including the Tier II Canada Research Chair and the C.D. Nelson Award. His work bridges basic research and applied solutions for crop protection against pathogen resistance.
Després’ research interests center on the NPR1-mediated signaling pathway in Arabidopsis, metal chemistry in proteins, and developing biotechnological solutions for agricultural challenges. Collaborations with ABC and BioLinc aim to translate discoveries into commercial agrochemicals. His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining genomic, biochemical, and biophysical techniques.
- Key Achievements: Discovery of the salicylic acid receptor, NPR1, and its role in plant immunity.
- Grants & Support: $1M from Brock University for ABC, ongoing in-kind contributions.
- Labs & Initiatives: Després Lab (agrochemical discovery), Advanced Biomanufacturing Centre, and BioLinc incubator.
