Giles E.D. Oldroyd: Professor Giles Oldroyd studies the mechanisms by which some species of plants are capable of forming beneficial interactions with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which provide a natural source of nitrogen for plant growth. A long-term aim of this research is to reduce agricultural reliance on nitrogen fertilisers and he currently heads an international programme funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to explore the feasibility of engineering nitrogen-fixing cereals. He completed his PhD in 1998 at the University of California, Berkeley, studying plant/pathogen interactions and then moved to Stanford University, USA, to work on nitrogen fixation in the laboratory of Prof. Sharon Long. After 15 years at the John Innes Centre, he recently moved to the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University. He has been recognised by a number of awards for his research: EMBO young investigator; European Research Council young investigator; Society of Experimental Biology Presidents medal; Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit award and a BBSRC David Philips Fellowship.
Mr. Rex Murphy: Canadian’s are treated to weekly commentary from Rex on CBC’s The National along with his Saturday column in the National Post. He’s also acted as an editorial contributor to CBC Radio’s Definitely Not the Opera. For over 20 years he was the host and moderator of CBC Radio’s Cross Country Checkup. The show brought over 1 million listeners and at times 15,000 callers wanting to join in discussions. As a keynote speaker, Rex radiates intelligence and trustworthiness. His endearing style brings forth a sarcastic intellect and deep insight into issues affecting individuals and businesses .Audiences can expect to be simultaneously informed and entertained by Rex’s provocative commentary. He knows what makes Canadians tick, and what drives our political and social affairs. Rex makes us important, reminds us we have culture beyond hockey. His thought-provoking, sometimes stinging commentary and original insights are delivered through a vocabulary to make Webster’s consider updating. A Rhodes scholar, Rex was born and raised in St. John’s, Nfld., where he graduated from Memorial University. In 1968, he went to Oxford University, along with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Rex later ran twice in provincial elections and lost both times. Maybe he was too honest?
Dame Anne Glover: Anne has a BSc in Biochemistry from Edinburgh and a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Cambridge, UK. She has pursued a distinguished career in scientific research and has also translated some of her research into a successful start-up company. In 2008 she was made a Woman of Outstanding Achievement in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) and has worked hard to raise the profile of women in SET. Anne has promoted the communication of science and has appeared on BBC and international television and many global radio programmes. In 2009, she was awarded a CBE by the Queen in recognition of her services to environmental sciences and in 2015, became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to Science in the UK and Europe. In 2008 she was made a Woman of Outstanding Achievement in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) and has worked hard to raise the profile of women in SET. Anne has promoted the communication of science and has appeared on BBC and international television and many global radio programmes. In 2009, she was awarded a CBE by the Queen in recognition of her services to environmental sciences and in 2015, became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to Science in the UK and Europe.
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