Congratulations to Dr. Ben Koop, winner of the 2020 David H. Turpin Gold Medal for Career Achievement in Research

Ben Koop has shown the world how genes and genomes work, adapt and evolve. He began by developing technologies for sequencing genes, and applied them to mammals so he could learn more about human disease. He then made the leap to fish, where he is internationally known for his work in fish genomics as a major contributor in the sequencing of Atlantic and multiple Pacific salmon genomes. His discoveries and collaborative style have affected scientific careers, aquaculture, conservation and economies in BC and around the world. Whether with sea lice or bats, fruit flies or humans, Koop’s revolutionary work elegantly translates his own fundamental discovery-based research to real-world applications in clinical medicine, aquaculture and conservation biology.

The Gold Medal, a UVic REACH award selected from nominations across campus, is awarded for a distinguished record of research that has advanced substantially the discipline.

Congratulations, Ben! Most richly deserved!