Dr. Jörg Bohlmann is joining UBC Botanical Garden as Academic Director, bringing his expertise in plant biology, biodiversity and biotechnology to help strengthen the Garden’s role as a living laboratory and research partner within the Faculty of Science. With more than 25 years of research focused on plant metabolism and the discovery of biologically active plant compounds, his work connects biodiversity research with real-world applications. His vision supports the Garden’s mission by advancing interdisciplinary research that creates societal impact while deepening connections between science, conservation and public learning.
“Advancing meaningful research requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions and communities. Jörg’s appointment strengthens our ability to build those connections while expanding the Garden’s role as a living laboratory.”
– Director Dee Ann Benard
An example of this connection is the recently funded Campus as a Living Laboratory project, which uses collections of BC native plants at the Garden to investigate plant chemistry and biodiversity. Through comprehensive chemical profiling, the project will explore the potential of these species for future bioproducts, sustainable green space applications and other innovations connected to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. This research also includes investigating plant compounds with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. By connecting living collections to genomics, biotechnology and emerging research technologies, this work demonstrates how botanical gardens can contribute directly to research excellence, sustainability and innovation at a global scale.
Looking ahead, Jörg sees significant potential for the Garden to become an even stronger platform for collaborative and experiential learning and research across UBC. His approach supports opportunities for students, researchers, and partners to engage directly with living collections through hands-on scientific research that bridges botany, ecology, biotechnology, and climate-focused innovation.
This mirrors UBC’s goals to enhance experiential education, strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships, and accelerate research with meaningful societal impact. At the same time, this work reinforces the Garden’s role as a space where biodiversity, wellbeing, and public engagement intersect, creating opportunities for discovery that extend far beyond the laboratory.
Dr. Bohlmann is a Professor and Distinguished University Scholar at the Michael Smith Laboratories, with appointments to Botany and Forest & Conservation Sciences. He is also the Academic Director at UBC Botanical Garden.
