Imme Gerke

Global Regulatory Strategist at IDRG

Imme Gerke: With a PhD in Cell Biology from Switzerland Dr Gerke designed and led projects in biological pest management in Madagascar from 1989-1994 and in Burkina Faso from 1996-2000. In 1994, she founded a Biotechnology company in Canada that in 2000 registered its first product (VIROSOFT CP4) in Canada and the US.

In 2002, Health Canada invited her to take on the role as Canadian Minor Use Advisor at the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Her mandate was to advise government, pesticide manufacturers, scientists, and growers of the necessary steps to be taken to provide Canadians with access to reduced risk pest control products simultaneously with other OECD countries. As part of this function she became the Agency’s expert on invasive alien species including living biocontrol agents.Imme now supports and trains growers, crop/pest specialists, scientists, manufacturers and Regulators in the collaborative approach with the goal to reduce risk, provide access and harmonize the use of pest control products, worldwide.