Speaker: Curtis Suttle, PhD, CM, FRSC
Professor in the Departments of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science, Microbiology & Immunology, Botany, and the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries
Associate Dean, Research, UBC Science
Abstract:
When we think of oceans and aquatic life, we are drawn to the charismatic megafauna, such as whales and fish, and the omnifarious organisms that we might gaze upon in a tide pool. Invisible to us, but critical to the survival of all organisms, is the myriad of microbes that overwhelmingly dominate life, everywhere. A paradigm shift is occurring in our understanding of the role of microbes and microbial processes in the health of marine organisms and ecosystems. By far, the most abundant members of this microbial milieu are viruses. They are the most abundant lifeform on Earth, encompass much of its biodiversity, and are major players in regulating populations and catalyzing global biogeochemical cycles. Without doubt, viruses are critical elements contributing to, and helping maintain, biodiversity and ecosystem function; yet, our knowledge of the viruses populating the virosphere and quantitative information on their ecosystem effects remain scant. Here, Dr. Suttle take a brief stroll through the virosphere, the critical role it plays in marine ecosystems, and its place in the future of oceans and fisheries.
Speaker Bio:
Curtis Suttle is a Distinguished University Scholar and Professor in the Departments of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science, Microbiology & Immunology, Botany, and the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, as well as an Associate Dean in the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on viruses and their diversity, evolution, and function in the global system, with an emphasis on the oceans and marine organisms. As a frequently invited speaker at Universities and International symposia, as well as a commentator in print, video and television, he makes a persuasive case that viruses encompass much of the genetic diversity on Earth and are major drivers of global biogeochemical cycles. His work has helped shift the paradigm from viruses being enemies and agents of death, to the perspective that viruses are essential to life on Earth. His scholarship has been recognized by being appointed to the Order of Canada, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and American Academy of Microbiology, as well as appointments with the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Research, and the Institute for Advanced Studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. As well as being a Distinguished University Scholar and Wall Scholar at the University of British Columbia, he is a recipient of the A.G. Huntsman, Timothy R. Parsons, and G. Evelyn Hutchinson Medals in Marine Science.