Media Releases >
Media Releases Archive
> Chemist's work with bees honoured
Chemist's work with bees honoured
Document Tools
April 30, 2003
Simon Fraser University chemist Keith Slessor’s dedication to decoding how bees communicate and developing groundbreaking compounds based on that knowledge have led to him being awarded a 2003 Career Achievement Award. The award is one of two bestowed annually by the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of BC (CUFA/BC) for exceptional research that contributes to the wider community. The Career Achievement Award recognizes on-going accomplishments in a researcher’s career that impact the non-academic community.
Slessor elucidated the chemicals, called phermones, that bees and other insects use to communicate. That led him and other SFU researchers to develop synthetic insect phermones, which are used in products that enhance or confuse insect communication. These products have become crucial, environmentally friendly ways of controlling insects, particularly in forests, and enhancing crop production.
Known for his collaboration with scientists across many fields, Slessor is dedicated to popularizing science among non-academics. A 300 level course at SFU, taught by the Maple Ridge resident, aims to foster an appreciation of the importance of science in society among non-scientists. He is also working with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to promote research projects that cross the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines.
Slessor accepted his CUFA/BC award ($1,000 cheque and specially commissioned memento) at the organization’s Distinguished Academics Awards annual dinner on April 23. Two years ago, another SFU researcher, Mark Winston, a bee expert with whom Slessor frequently collaborates, won the CUFA/BC’s Academic of the Year award.
—30—
electronic photo file available on request
Contact
Keith Slessor, 604.291.3501, keith_slessor@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, Media & PR 604.291.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca
Slessor elucidated the chemicals, called phermones, that bees and other insects use to communicate. That led him and other SFU researchers to develop synthetic insect phermones, which are used in products that enhance or confuse insect communication. These products have become crucial, environmentally friendly ways of controlling insects, particularly in forests, and enhancing crop production.
Known for his collaboration with scientists across many fields, Slessor is dedicated to popularizing science among non-academics. A 300 level course at SFU, taught by the Maple Ridge resident, aims to foster an appreciation of the importance of science in society among non-scientists. He is also working with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to promote research projects that cross the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines.
Slessor accepted his CUFA/BC award ($1,000 cheque and specially commissioned memento) at the organization’s Distinguished Academics Awards annual dinner on April 23. Two years ago, another SFU researcher, Mark Winston, a bee expert with whom Slessor frequently collaborates, won the CUFA/BC’s Academic of the Year award.
—30—
electronic photo file available on request
Contact
Keith Slessor, 604.291.3501, keith_slessor@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, Media & PR 604.291.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca