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The WRC's mission is to conduct pioneering research in enology and viticulture and to develop highly qualified human resources with relevant scientific expertise and enterprise who will promote the technological advancement of the wine industry in Canada. This new initiative is based on a concept of collaboration with researchers at UBC, at other educational and research institutions and all facets of the wine industry.
Dr. Hennie J.J. van Vuuren as Founding Director established the WRC in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC in 1999.
In 2001 construction of the Wine Library was completed and it was officially opened in September 2002.
Later in 2002, Dr. Steven Lund was recruited as an Assistant Professor to fill the viticulture genomics role.
In 2003, Dr. Vivien Measday was recruited as Canada Research Chair in Yeast Genomics/Enology. In 2004, faculty
and researchers moved into their newly renovated molecular biology laboratories. Since then the WRC has rapidly
expanded and 28 scientists now conduct research into molecular genetics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and
Vitis vinifera. Graduates experienced in experimental design, genetic, biochemical and molecular technology,
fermentation technology and viticulture will be positioned to play a major role in future technological developments
and growth of the wine industry in Canada. The WRC provides a much-needed focus for expertise in wine research in Canada
and represents a unique alliance between the University, industry, government and the community. An Advisory Board
consisting of proprietors, winemakers, growers, representatives from the Liquor Distribution Branch,
Pacific Agri-Food Research Center at Summerland and the BC Wine Institute guide the activities of the WRC.
The WRC has modern and fully equipped molecular biology laboratories and a mass spectrometry laboratory. In addition,
the Microarray Facility in the WRC serves as a core DNA Array Facility for scientists on the UBC campus. Researchers in
the WRC also have full access to the outstanding research facilities in the Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) which is conveniently located
adjacent to the WRC. The MSL has established itself as a force in the global biotechnology research community.
Its outstanding research facilities, including the Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis (NAPS) unit, the Protein
Production Pilot Plant, the Functional Genomics Core Facility and the Centre for Biological Calorimetry, provide a
strong foundation for cutting edge research in functional genomics. In addition, the eight hubs of the CFI-funded
Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics provide state-of-the-art equipment for characterizing gene products. Large-scale
sequencing projects at the WRC are done in collaboration with scientists in Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences
Centre. Quantitative proteomics projects at the WRC are done in collaboration with the University
of Victoria - Genome BC Proteomics Centre.
Dr. Don Brooks, Associate Vice-President of Research, UBC
Mr. Gordon Fitzpatrick, Proprietor, Cedar Creek Estate Winery
Dr. Gordon Neish, Director PARC, Summerland
Ms. Sandra Oldfield, Proprietor/Winemaker, Tinhorn Creek Winery
Dr. Murray Isman, Dean, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, UBC
Ms. Kelly Conrad, BC Liquor Distribution Branch
Mr. Mark Sheridan, Director, Vineyard Operations, Vincor International, Inc.
Mr. Howard Soon, Winemaker, Calona Wines
Mr. Ben Stewart, Proprietor, Quails Gate Estate Winery
Mr. Anthony von Mandl, Proprietor, Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Mr. Jim Wyse, Proprietor, Burrowing Owl Winery
Dr. Hennie van Vuuren, Ex-officio Director, Wine Research Centre
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