Dr. Philippe Tortell appointed Director of Wall Institute
July 26, 2016
The Peter Wall Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Philippe Tortell as its new Director. Dr. Tortell is a Professor in the Departments of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Botany at the University of British Columbia where his research is focused on understanding the potential climate effects on Arctic and Antarctic marine systems. He received his BSc in Biology at McGill University (1994), and an MA (1997) and PhD (2001) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University.
“I am thrilled and deeply honored to take on the position of Director at the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies,” Dr. Tortell said. “The Institute represents, first and foremost, an investment in the intellectual life of UBC, and I look forward to working with the many outstanding scholars, from Vancouver and beyond, who will pass through its doors over the coming five years.”
Dr. Tortell has a long-standing relationship with the Peter Wall Institute, having been an Early Career Scholar in 2004 and a Wall Scholar from 2014-16. During his residence at the Institute, Dr. Tortell fostered wide ranging and inter-disciplinary discussions on Arctic-related issues, with a primary focus on climate change research.
“My time at the Institute has transformed my approach to scholarship, and greatly broadened my intellectual horizons,” said Dr. Tortell. “I hope to provide leadership that engages the UBC and international research community, creating an environment for exploration of new ideas and sustained intellectual engagement.”
The Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of British Columbia provides funding opportunities and an intellectual environment where scholars are free to pursue the collaborative exchange of ideas beyond disciplinary boundaries. The research we support makes important advances in knowledge that are shared through our ongoing community engagement programs.
The Institute thanks Dr. Gastón Gordillo for his excellent work as Director, pro tem for the past year.
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