The University of Pretoria (UP) proudly hosted the inaugural lecture of Professor Irene Barnes, a world expert in forest pathology. The lecture marked a major professional milestone – she was promoted to full professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM) in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The lecture "Strengthening Forest Health through Population Genetic Insights and Global Networks" culminated an incredible 25-year career in research and academia. In her address, Prof Barnes demonstrated how her work in genetics and related science protected forest ecosystems in South Africa and globally from invasive pathogens that are destructive to forests.

"As a constant threat to forests everywhere, pathogens of trees are easily spread around the world because of the international movement of plants," Prof Barnes explained. She described how invasive tree pathogens can be followed through a multi-staged process of introduction, colonisation, establishment, and spread, and how each stage leaves a distinct genetic fingerprint. By examining disease patterns, scientists can understand how pathogens disperse, which can assist in developing specific and effective biological invasion responses.

Prof Barnes began her career developing molecular tools to study invasive species. Her research involves sophisticated DNA sequencing and population genetic studies to determine how pathogens move and change over time because of their relevance to sustainable forest management. Her studies on tree diseases like Ceratocystis wilt and Dothistroma needle blight have advanced the development of local and international disease mitigation frameworks.

As part of the welcome address, the Vice-Principal: Academic, Prof Loretta Feris, congratulated Prof Barnes on being a remarkable scholar and for her dedication and investment towards teaching future scientists. She highlighted that Prof Barnes has 125+ peer-reviewed journal articles and three book chapters under her belt, and 54 postgraduate students supervised—15 of whom she currently supervises.

“As the first Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) honours student, Prof Barnes’s life is a testament to the limitless possibilities of a global scientist and a leader ever since,” Prof Feris added. In addition to her roles at UP, Prof Barnes holds key positions in several international scientific organisations, including executive council membership in both the International Mycological Association and the African Mycological Association. She also has a managerial position in the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). At FABI, she is a research leader in the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme and RGE-FABI Tree Health Programme, and runs the Kiwifruit Protection Programme.

Prof Barnes also focused on the role of collaboration, be it scientific or interpersonal, in achieving a well-rounded research career. “My career is built on teamwork,” she remarked. “The endeavour of dealing with global forest health challenges is highly cooperative.”

Concepts revolving around the socio-scientific commitment of the? UP were also discussed in relation to supra-regional problems. In this case, Prof Barnes emphasised working on protecting and securing forest and food resources, and biodiversity through her research on the genetics of pathogenic invaders, the preservation of biodiversity and the resilience of long-term ecosystems.

At the end of her talk, it became evident that Prof Barnes's impact goes far beyond scholarly publications. She is developing the field of forest health science, training the next generation of scientists, and creating international networks vital to long-term environmental sustainability through her creative research and leadership.