J. Andre Fortin is a Canadian biologist who was the founding director of the Research Institute in Plant Biology at the University of Montreal. Radio-Canada awarded him the title of Scientist of the Year in 1990 for his contribution in creating the Institute. His research on mycorrhizal fungi which spans over 50 years has brought him international recognition. As one of the pioneers in this field, he has helped highlight the fact that living in symbiosis is the rule rather than the exception for members of the plant kingdom – in fact, for virtually all organisms. He has also been involved in the development of novel commercial and industrial uses of fungi.