Dr. Samuel is a Full Professor who started in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary in 2008. He has been highly successful in leveraging his fundamental plant research program using the model organism Arabidopsis into new and innovative areas of applied research to become one of the top leaders in crop biotechnology in Canada. He utilized his expertise in plant molecular biology and genetics to rapidly expand into various crops including canola, wheat and field pea to identify new and improved traits such as herbicide and salt tolerance, drought resistance, increased protein content, pod shatter tolerance and seed degreening for enhanced agriculture performance. Currently, he co-leads a Genome Canada grant to develop climate-resilient, low carbon footprint field pea as a preferred rotation crop to promote sustainable agriculture. Since 2012, Dr. Samuel has impressively raised over $10 million in operating funds from various industry partners including large multinationals [Nutrien Corteva and Groupe Roullier], smaller companies [Frontier Agri-Science, Norcan, Mress Holdings Inc. and AgGene Inc.] and government agencies [Alberta Pulse Growers, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, WGRF, Genome Canada, RDAR, Alberta Innovates, National Research Council (NRC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Alberta Funding Consortium (AFC) and Alberta Development Funds (ADF)]. Dr. Samuel has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious plant journals, holds three patents directly impacting crop enhancement, and his research has received high profile attention through 18 interviews including two on television. Dr. Samuel was the recipient of the 2017 CD Nelson Award presented to the top Canadian plant scientist with “outstanding research contributions to plant biology and special consideration given to originality and independence of thought.” He was honored with the Excellence in Research Innovation Award 2022 and the Faculty of Science Leadership in Internationalization Award in 2024 from the University of Calgary. He is currently the CSO of AgGene Inc. and President of the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists (CSPB). As previous Vice President and current President of the CSPB, he is spearheading the development of a new mandate in the society that applies Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles in recognition of research achievements and selection of conference speakers and awards. Dr. Samuel’s research in crop enhancement and performance has tremendous relevance and impact on food security and nutrition, the environment, as well as agricultural sustainability, which are urgent global issues at the forefront.