Suzanne Simard

Suzanne Simard is a Professor in the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry. She leads the Mother Tree Project, focusing on forest ecology, mycorrhizal networks, and ecosystem resilience.

• Research Areas: Old Growth Forest Ecology, Ectomycorrhizae, Plant-Plant Interactions, Climate Change Adaptation
• Projects: Designing successful forest renewal practices for our changing climate, Plant-mycorrhizal fungal interaction networks, Salmon Forest Project

Research Interests: Dr. Simard investigates how mycorrhizal networks mediate tree communication, regeneration dynamics, and climate adaptation. Her work bridges ecosystem legacies, soil microbial interactions, and complex adaptive systems.

Scientific Trends: Recent publications focus on forest harvesting impacts, climate change interactions, and microbial legacies in reclamation projects. Key keywords: Forest Ecology, Mycorrhizal Networks, Ecosystem Resilience, Climate Adaptation.

Scientific Awards:

• Royal Roads University Honorary Doctor of Laws (2024)
• Oregon State University Alumni Fellow (2024)
• CIF-IFC Canadian Forestry Scientific Achievement Award (2024)
• Lewis Thomas Prize (2023)
• Kew International Medal (2023)
• Canadian Botanical Association Lawson Medal (2022)
• Banff Mountain Book Prize (2021)
• Killam Teaching Award (2006)

Collaborations & Grants: Current projects include NSERC-funded studies on mycorrhizal networks, the Mother Tree Project, and Salmon Forest Project. Collaborators include Drs. Roach, Pickles, Lavkulich, Mohn, Pither, Cahill, Karst, and Erbigin.