Dr. Michel J. Desrochers

Director General, NRC Biotechnology Research Institute

Dr. Michel J. Desrochers has been Director General of the NRC Biotechnology Research Institute (NRC-BRI) in Montréal since 1993. Between 1995 and 2001 he also chaired the NRC Biotechnology Forum involving five biotechnology institutes throughout Canada. Prior to becoming Director General, Dr. Desrochers held the positions of Director Bio-Engineering and Industrial Affairs, and Director of Administration at NRC-BRI.

Dr. Desrochers worked for 15 years as a research scientist and research director at Paprican and Domtar before joining NRC in 1991. Although working in industry throughout most of his career, he has maintained close links with academics as associate professor and thesis supervisor at the University of Montréal and École Polytechnique.

Holder of a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Montréal, Dr. Desrochers is a member of numerous scientific societies and author of nearly 100 communications and publications in the areas of bacterial genetics, enzymology and fermentation. Dr. Desrochers has also participated in numerous seminars and lectures both in Canada and the United States and is a member of many advisory groups.