Special Evening Plenary Session, River Run Centre
Wednesday, 19 August 2015
(open to the public)

Summary: Chaired by Dr. Brock Fenton, this public event features a distinguished panel of leading scientists who will discuss the diversity of species on our planet, the challenges they face, and measures needed to protect them. Presentations will cover threats to birds and bees, as well as more difficult to study species from the arctic and marine biomes. They will also explore the value of DNA-based approaches for bio-literacy. From an examination of extinction rates to emerging perspectives on how to monitor and conserve biodiversity, this session will be of broad interest to those concerned with understanding the changing status of the natural world.

Welcome Reception Hosted by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce and Visit Guelph
5:45 – 6:45 Featuring the local flavours, sights and sounds of Guelph

Introduction & Opening Remarks
6:45 Kithio Mwania, President and CEO, Guelph Chamber of Commerce
6:50 Karl Tibelius, Vice-President, Genomics Programs, Genome Canada
6:55 Brock Fenton, Professor Emeritus, University of Western Ontario

Plenary Speakers:
7:00 Laurence Packer, Professor of Biology, York University
7:15 Monte Hummel, President Emeritus, WWF Canada
7:30 Stuart Pimm, Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology, Duke University

Intermission:
7:55 – 8:15

Plenary Speakers Continued:
8:15 Bridget Stutchbury, Professor of Biology & Canada Research Chair in Ecology and Conservation Biology, York University
8:30 Paul Snelgrove, Professor of Biology & Canada Research Chair in Boreal and Cold Ocean Systems, Memorial University of Newfoundland
8:45 David Hik, Professor of Biology, University of Alberta
9:00 Brock Fenton

Closing Remarks
9:15-9:30