Paul Hebert is an evolutionary biologist at the University of Guelph whose early work employed molecular methods to clarify processes underpinning biodiversity. These studies laid the foundation for his landmark 2003 paper on DNA barcoding which has received 17,000 citations. Since then, he has led multiple initiatives that have leveraged this approach to advance biodiversity science. What began as the world’s first national research network (Canadian Barcode of Life Network) soon morphed into the International Barcode of Life consortium. Hebert has played a central role in envisioning and directing its efforts. BARCODE 500K, its first major research program, delivered barcode coverage for 500,000 species while iBOL’s current program, BIOSCAN, is accelerating species discovery, mapping their distributions, and probing their interactions. Key to these initiatives is the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, a globally unique research facility led by Hebert which has advanced barcode protocols and developed the informatics platforms required to store, validate, and analyze the resultant data. 

Over his career, Hebert has mentored more than 100 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; most remain active in science. He has received four honorary degrees as well as several national (Order of Canada, Royal Society of Canada) and international awards (Benjamin Franklin Medal, Heineken Prize, MIDORI Prize) for his contributions to environmental science.