From Biodiversity Preservation to Innovation: The Role of Biological Resource Centres

Biological Resource Centres (BRCs) play a crucial role across many scientific domains by acting as specialized libraries for living organisms and their genetic material. Their work in preservation and distribution is fundamental to research and innovation in the animal, plant, environmental, and microbial fields. This talk will focus on microbial BRCs, explaining why preserving microbial diversity is strategic for a healthier future, and for innovation across various sectors (such as fermented foods, plant production, and animal and human health). The presentation will also look at how these centres operate, including the specific functions and processes involved in collecting, preserving, and distributing microbial resources.

This event is co-organized with the Consulate General of France in Vancouver. It is open to the general public and does not require registration (but please note that our seating is limited). The lecture will be followed by a reception in the Piano Lounge, Graham House.

Dr Emmanuelle Helloin is a research engineer at the Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (INRAE, France) specializing in bacteriology. Her academic background includes a Master's in Microbial Ecology with a focus on biological treatment of wastewater, and doctoral research on the impact of environmental factors on Listeria monocytogenes in cheese production. She furthered her research with a postdoctoral fellowship focused on identifying virulence factors of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli. Currently, she is responsible for organizing and developing the CIRM-BP, a culture collection of animal and human pathogenic bacteria at INRAE (Nouzilly). Her expertise lies in the bacteriology of risk group 2 and 3 pathogens, with a strong emphasis on biosafety and biosecurity as well as ISO 9001 quality management. 

Dr Helloin's current objectives involve expanding the CIRM-BP collection to include commensal bacteria and a microbiota biobank, aiming to make these resources accessible to the international scientific community. She actively participates in European and national research projects focused on characterizing bacterial biodiversity and evaluating potential new antimicrobial agents.

Dr Helloin is also the second Visiting Scientist from France at Green College, a residency that is co-sponsored with the Consulate General of France in Vancouver.