Hamelin, Richard

My research focuses on forest health and protection, integrating molecular biology, genomics, and ecology to understand and manage tree diseases and forest pests. Key areas include:

• Pathogen Population Genetics and Evolution
  Studying the genetic diversity, spread, and hybridization of invasive pathogens such as sudden oak death, Dutch elm disease and white pine blister rust, to understand their adaptation and inform management strategies.
• Genomic Biosurveillance
  Developing DNA-based detection tools and portable assays for rapid identification of pathogens and pests, enabling early detection and effective biosecurity responses in forests and nurseries.
• Forest Pathogen Genomics
  Using whole-genome sequencing to uncover the genetic basis of pathogenicity, adaptation, and host jumps in fungi and oomycetes, and reveal genome evolution mechanisms.
• Climate Change and Tree Resistance
  Investigating how climate change influences disease outbreaks and studying geographic patterns of disease resistance in tree species to inform climate-based seed transfer policies.
• Forest Insect–Fungi Symbioses
  Exploring co-evolution and genomic adaptation in insect–fungus partnerships, such as those between bark beetles and blue stain fungi, to understand their role in forest pest outbreaks.
• Tree Diseases in Sustainable Forest Management Systems
  Sustainable forest management systems often promote the retention of mature trees. Our group is using modelling and genomic approaches to study the impact of such systems on the spread and intensification of diseases.

Awards

• Scientific Achievement Award, Canadian Institute of Forestry, 2023
• Fellow, American Phytopathological Society, 2020
• Scientific Achievement Award, International Union of Forest Research Organization, 2014
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Governor General of Canada, 2012
• Hommage René-Pomerleau for pioneering work in Forest Pathology Award, Quebec Society for Plant Protection, 2008
• Merit Award, Canadian Forest Service, 2008
• Merit Award for Creativity and Innovation, Natural Resources Canada, 2008
• Certificate of Recognition Award, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 2007
• Graduate Research in Engineering and Technology (GREAT) Award, B. C. Science Council, 1985
• President’s award, Simon Fraser University, 1984