Dr. Murray Isman is a distinguished scholar and leader in the field of entomology and toxicology whose career has profoundly shaped the understanding of plant-insect chemical interactions. He currently holds the position of Dean Emeritus of the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Land and Food Systems and Emeritus Professor of Entomology and Toxicology, following his retirement after more than three decades of service. Born in Vancouver, Canada on June 14, 1953, he completed his undergraduate and master's education at the University of British Columbia before earning his doctorate in Entomology from the University of California, Davis in 1981. His academic journey included a postdoctoral position in insect toxicology at the University of California, Irvine, after which he joined the University of British Columbia faculty in 1983 as an assistant professor. Dr. Isman's leadership was recognized through his appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, a position he held from 2005 to 2014.
Dr. Isman's groundbreaking research has centered on the discovery and development of botanical insecticides and antifeedants, establishing him as an international authority in the field of insect-plant chemical interactions. His scholarly output includes over 200 refereed publications that have garnered more than 17,000 citations, demonstrating the significant impact of his work on both academic and applied entomology. His seminal review article in the Annual Review of Entomology stands among the most cited contributions in the journal's history, reflecting its foundational importance to the field. Dr. Isman's innovative approaches to understanding plant-derived pesticides have advanced sustainable pest management strategies worldwide, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides. His research has provided critical insights into the mechanisms of insect resistance and the ecological implications of botanical insecticides, shaping contemporary approaches to integrated pest management.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Isman has profoundly influenced the field through extensive mentorship, having supervised 22 graduate students, 13 postdoctoral fellows, and 16 visiting scientists throughout his career at the University of British Columbia. His leadership extends to professional service, having served as President of the International Society of Chemical Ecology in 2002, the Phytochemical Society of North America in 1993, and the Entomological Society of British Columbia on two separate occasions. Dr. Isman has organized landmark conferences including the 14th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Chemical Ecology in 1997 and the Fourth World Neem Conference in 1999, fostering international collaboration in chemical ecology and botanical pesticide research. Currently serving as a science advisor to KeyPlex, he continues to bridge academic research with practical applications in agricultural pest management. Dr. Isman's legacy endures through his substantial contributions to entomological science and his ongoing influence on the development of sustainable approaches to pest control.
