New USask professor recipient of the Emerging Genomics Researcher Award

Dr. Valentyna Klymiuk (PhD) has been selected by Genome Canada and partner organizations as the recipient of this year’s Emerging Genomics Researcher Award. This distinction recognizes an early‑career academic or research leader whose achievements in genomics are shaping the future of the field in Saskatchewan. Dr. Klymiuk currently serves as the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission Applied Genomics and Pre-Breeding Chair and Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre.

Dr. Klymiuk’s research focuses on strengthening wheat’s resistance to major diseases through advanced genetics and next‑generation genomic tools for gene discovery and application in breeding. Originally from Ukraine, she holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology and a PhD in Hydrobiology from Donetsk National University, as well as a second PhD in plant genetics and genomics from the University of Haifa in Israel. Her achievements have already earned her several prestigious awards, including the Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women in Triticum Early Career Award (2019) and the Carlotta Award (2022). This latest recognition highlights both her outstanding contributions to wheat research and her continued leadership in advancing genomics in Saskatchewan.