Future Trees Trust is delighted to announce Eamonn Cooper, a 24-year-old graduate in Genetics (BSc), MSc Bioinformatics & Computational Biology from the University College Cork has been appointed to the ‘Genetic characterisation of oak for the breeding and conservation’ studentship funded by the Future Trees Trust and Forest Genetics Resources Trust (FGRT) Ireland.  

The project will be supervised by Dr Trevor Hodkinson, Trinity College Dublin, Dr Colin Kelleher National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and Dr Jo Clark, Head of Research at Future Trees Trust.  

Since the 1990s, Future Trees Trust (FTT) and FGRT Ireland have been developing a tree improvement programme for oak (Quercus petraea and Q. robur) in the UK and Ireland. The work selects superior trees (Plus Trees) for improvement for timber production. 

A series of progeny trials were established in 2003 to investigate these trees showing excellent growth and straightness. The project will provide wider information for oak conservation genetics and breeding for timber and the changing climate.  

Eamonn Cooper, from Limerick, South West Ireland said: 

“I have always been interested in plant biology and I am thrilled to be able to work on a project that will have a positive impact for the future of Oak trees. Thank you to both Future Trees Trust and Forest Genetics Resources Trust for the opportunity – it’s a dream come true.” 

Dr Jo Clark, Head of Research at Future Trees Trust said: 

“We are delighted to have found an enthusiastic and highly motivated student to genetically characterise oak for breeding and conservation purposes, Eamonn’s research will provide much needed support for the tree improvement programme.” 

Dr Trevor Hodkinson, Professor of Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin said: 

“We look forward to welcoming Eamonn and supporting him in this new role. This opportunity provides funding for a 2 year’s Masters by research (MSc) with the potential to extend this to a PhD. The research is very important and with the changing climate we must ensure we are mitigating any impacts and ensuring a future for UK and Irish oak trees.”