Dr. Oscar Venter is being recognized globally, as one of his published works ranks among the top one percent of all cited work this year. Photo courtesy University of Northern British Columbia

By Tommy Osborne

UNBC Accolades

UNBC researcher recognized globally for conservation work

Nov 12, 2025 | 5:22 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) researcher Dr. Oscar Venter is being recognized globally for his work regarding environmental and conservation efforts. One of his published works is among the top one percent of most cited works in the entire world, landing him on the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list.

“This is such an important time for the long-term conservation of B.C’s and Canada’s ecosystems. This recognition reflects the vital research being done by the team of emerging scientists in my lab at UNBC to provide the insights and data needed to make informed decisions as we work toward achieving national and international conservation targets,” Venter said.

A professor of Landscape Conservation and Management, Venter leads a team of six researchers in his Conservation Solutions Lab, where the team provides new spatial data and ecological insights to inform conservation policy and planning not just in Canada, but the entire world.

“The fact that Dr Venter’s research is being cited so frequently is a clear reflection of its influence and the impact he and his team are making in the fields of Environmental Science and Ecology,” says UNBC Vice-President Research and Innovation Dr. Paula Wood-Adams.

Venter joins a list of fellow UNBC researchers who have been making a global impact, a fact Wood-Adams says reflects not just on Venter’s incredible success, but a growing appreciation of the valuable research taking place in Northern B.C.

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“It’s really gratifying to see that, and it speaks to the high caliber of people that we recruit to this institution. You’ll notice that Dr. Venter works in the general area of environment and ecology and, of course, that’s one of the areas where we really shine, and he’s a really good example of an outstanding researcher,” she said.

“One of the things that I love about the institution is just seeing the success of our researchers. We have brilliant researchers, and I think actually this is a northern trait, but they are innovative and they are persistent, and that really pays off,” she continued.

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