Oregon State University Professor is Named Forest Biotechnologist of the Year
RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 2, 2009 â€" Dr. Steven Strauss of Oregon State University’s Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society has been named 2008 Forest Biotechnologist of the Year by the Institute of Forest Biotechnology (IFB).
(Media-Newswire.com) - Strauss was selected by his peers within the Forest Biotechnology Partnership – an international group of forestry and biotechnology professionals. He is a leading researcher in fundamental genetics and applied biotechnology of trees. Most of his work uses poplars, genus Populus, which includes aspens and cottonwoods, as experimental organisms. Poplars are important forestry species, and are leading candidates for woody biofuel crops by the Department of Energy.
Strauss is the first recipient of this award. It is given to the forest biotechnologist who best exemplifies responsible uses of forest biotechnology, and actively promotes science, dialogue, and stewardship through their work. Strauss was also recognized as a University Distinguished Professor of Forest Biotechnology at Oregon State University this year, and made a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Strauss is Director of the Tree Biosafety and Genomics Research Cooperative at Oregon State University, a multi-stakeholder consortium conducting research and education on the biosafety and physiology of genetically engineered trees. He also directs the University’s Program for Outreach in Resource Biotechnology, aimed at promoting public understanding of biotechnology issues.
Woody biomass for energy and fuel production is becoming more important to our nation. This acute need makes it critical that we work with experts like Dr. Strauss if we are serious about reducing CO2 emissions, providing sustainable wood products, and keeping our forests healthy” noted Mr. George Weyerhaeuser, Chairman of the IFB’s Board of Directors.
Strauss presented on the state of transgenic forest biotechnology to the Institute’s Board of Directors in February. He emphasized the opportunities for improved productivity and forest health through biotechnology, and the regulatory and legal obstacles that make such research risky and expensive. Strauss commented that “..unless our leaders and congressman take action to create scientifically sound regulations based on the value and safety of specific modified traits, and not based on a presumption of harm from the method alone, we may effectively lose this important tool for improving forest health and productivity.”
Adam Costanza, president of the IFB, wanted to spotlight practitioners using biotechnology to make stronger forests, “There are exciting advances being made by the Forest Biotechnology Partners that could give us new tools to combat the threats devastating our forests. Now more than ever we need healthy forests that can provide the ecosystem services we often take for granted while meeting society’s demand for sustainable forest products and renewable fuels. I’m not surprised the Partners chose Dr. Strauss. He has been relentless in his pursuit to help trees thrive through responsible uses of biotechnology.”
The Forest Biotechnology Partnership will elect another recipient for 2009 that can be any practitioner in the field regardless of their research affiliations. More information is available at the Institute of Forest Biotechnology’s website: www.forestbiotech.org
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