Appointment of Alexis Achim to the Canada Research Chair (NSERC) in Climate Change Adapted Silviculture!
By: Besma Bouslimi
We are immensely pleased and honored to announce the appointment of Alexis Achim, Full Professor in Wood and Forest Sciences at Université Laval and Vice-Dean of Research at the Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics, as the holder of the NSERC Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Silviculture Adapted to Climate Change. This prestigious recognition is accompanied by a $1.4M grant over seven years, providing essential support to advance his research and innovative projects.
This appointment reflects the excellence of his research and the significant impact of his work in silviculture, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. It is the result of the collective efforts of his research team, both past and present, as well as numerous collaborations with renowned research programs at the national and international levels. Through these joint efforts, his research has made a decisive contribution to understanding climate change challenges and promoting sustainable forest management.
Professor Achim has successfully brought together a passionate and dedicated team, and this appointment marks a major milestone in the development of silviculture research. We extend our deepest appreciation for his exceptional leadership and commitment to science. We also look forward to discovering the innovative projects he will undertake in the years to come.
The future prospects are extremely promising. By combining scientific expertise and international collaborations, this Chair will contribute to advancing research and innovation in forestry, while supporting sustainable and responsible forest management on a global scale.
Chair Program Summary
 « In a context of increasing forest disturbances caused by climate change, this research chair aims to transform silvicultural science by integrating a systematic consideration of the rapidly evolving environmental conditions into its empirical approach. The research will be structured around three key areas: Observe, Anticipate, and Adapt. The first axis will focus on developing near real-time forest observation tools. The second will link climate projections to forest growth and the anticipated evolution of disturbance risks. The third will explore the development of innovative silvicultural treatments better adapted to climate change ».
Professor Achim, a regular member of the Renewable Materials Research Center (CRMR), which he led from 2017 to 2022, is a central figure in the creation of strategic research partnerships with government, industrial, and community stakeholders. He is also a member of the Order of Forest Engineers of Quebec and the Forest Study Centre. Among his recent achievements, he is involved in the platform for the development of sustainable bio-based materials in the context of a circular economy, an initiative supported by the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, and Université Laval. This project aims to promote innovation in the field of materials derived from renewable resources.
Additionally, he participated in the establishment of a remote sensing laboratory applied to the adaptation of silviculture to climate change, in partnership with the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy. This laboratory explores innovative solutions to help the forestry sector adapt to climate challenges. Professor Achim is also the originator of the national initiative Silva21, which focuses on adapting silviculture to global changes, funded by the Alliance-NSERC program.
In parallel with his contributions to research projects, he stands out for his specialization in the valorization of lignocellulosic fibers to create innovative products, including functional antimicrobial materials. His work, carried out in close collaboration with renowned researchers and institutions, places Université Laval and the CRMR at the forefront of advances in wood and forest sciences. Thanks to his expertise and international collaboration network, he strengthens the CRMR’s position on the global stage, contributing to increasing Université Laval’s visibility within the most prestigious research networks.