U of S Agrologist Ernie Barber named Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada
Ernie Barber, a distinguished University of Saskatchewan (U of S) agricultural scientist and senior administrator, has been named a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC), the AIC's highest honour.
By Jennifer Thoma
The award recognizes a member of the organization who has made distinguished contributions to Canadian agriculture through building scientific capacity, collaborating across disciplines, and effectively communicating the importance of agriculture within Canada and beyond.
"AIC Awards are based on nominations from our membership," said Lianne Dwyer, AIC President. "They reflect the value that AIC members place on the contributions of their peers to building the scientific capacity for the agri-resource base in Canada and internationally," she said.
Barber's research has contributed significantly to advances in the ventilation, heating and air quality control of intensive livestock units worldwide—improving the health of humans and animals,  minimizing the environmental impact of such facilities, and benefitting a wide range of industries.
"For more than three decades, Ernie has made outstanding contributions to the University of Saskatchewan and to Canadian agriculture through a distinguished and wide-ranging career of research, academic leadership and partnership building with industry and government," said Karen Chad, U of S Vice-President Research. "Being named a fellow by the AIC is indeed a well-deserved honour."
Barber played a lead role in developing the world-class Pulse Research Lab in partnership with the pulse industry and the $50-million Global Institute for Food Security, founded in 2012 through a unique partnership involving PotashCorp, the Saskatchewan government, and the U of S to increase agricultural productivity, support a prosperous ag-bio economy, and contribute to global food nutrition and security.
Widely respected as an enthusiastic and inspiring leader, Barber led the transformation of agricultural studies at U of S to include a focus on the entire agricultural supply system, environmental stewardship, and wealth creation through food and bioproducts science and policy. Â An exemplary teacher and mentor, he encouraged interdisciplinary collaborations and championed the development of the national Indigenous Peoples Resource Management certificate program.
Trained as a professional agrologist and engineer, Barber became a U of S assistant professor of agricultural engineering at the U of S in 1981, and has since served in a number of senior administrative roles on campus, including Dean of the College of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Bioresources), Dean of the College of Engineering, and Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning. He is currently managing director of GIFS and will become U of S's Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic on July 1, 2014.
Barber's advice on agricultural issues has been widely sought by governments and professional organizations across Canada, and he has served on many boards, advisory councils and think tanks.
"AIC Awards are based on nominations from our membership," said Lianne Dwyer, AIC President. "They reflect the value that AIC members place on the contributions of their peers to building the scientific capacity for the agri-resource base in Canada and internationally," she said.
Barber's research has contributed significantly to advances in the ventilation, heating and air quality control of intensive livestock units worldwide—improving the health of humans and animals,  minimizing the environmental impact of such facilities, and benefitting a wide range of industries.
"For more than three decades, Ernie has made outstanding contributions to the University of Saskatchewan and to Canadian agriculture through a distinguished and wide-ranging career of research, academic leadership and partnership building with industry and government," said Karen Chad, U of S Vice-President Research. "Being named a fellow by the AIC is indeed a well-deserved honour."
Barber played a lead role in developing the world-class Pulse Research Lab in partnership with the pulse industry and the $50-million Global Institute for Food Security, founded in 2012 through a unique partnership involving PotashCorp, the Saskatchewan government, and the U of S to increase agricultural productivity, support a prosperous ag-bio economy, and contribute to global food nutrition and security.
Widely respected as an enthusiastic and inspiring leader, Barber led the transformation of agricultural studies at U of S to include a focus on the entire agricultural supply system, environmental stewardship, and wealth creation through food and bioproducts science and policy. Â An exemplary teacher and mentor, he encouraged interdisciplinary collaborations and championed the development of the national Indigenous Peoples Resource Management certificate program.
Trained as a professional agrologist and engineer, Barber became a U of S assistant professor of agricultural engineering at the U of S in 1981, and has since served in a number of senior administrative roles on campus, including Dean of the College of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Bioresources), Dean of the College of Engineering, and Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning. He is currently managing director of GIFS and will become U of S's Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic on July 1, 2014.
Barber's advice on agricultural issues has been widely sought by governments and professional organizations across Canada, and he has served on many boards, advisory councils and think tanks.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Thoma
Media Relations
University of Ssaskatchewan
306-966-1851
Frances Rodenburg
Manager of Administration and Communications
AIC
613-232-9459