VANCOUVER, BC - Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO of Genome British Columbia today announced the appointment of Dr. Pierre Meulien as Chief Scientific Officer for Genome British Columbia.

Dr. Meulien is an internationally recognized scientist who has until recently been Chief Executive of the Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre (DMMC). The DMMC is a centre of excellence in life sciences, linking the scientific knowledge and translational research capabilities of three universities and five teaching hospitals in Ireland. The DMMC is also the leader of the Programme for Human Genomics, part of the Irish government’s overall Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation.

“Our ability to attract such a high calibre scientific leader to British Columbia is a testament to our growing and important role in the international life sciences community,” said Dr. Winter.

As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Meulien will partner with Genome BC management and scientists to promote the organization’s ongoing scientific strategy, focusing on the science of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics within the larger realm of biotechnology and life sciences in BC. Dr. Meulien will also work closely with Genome BC’s project and platform leaders on science-related issues to ensure they meet their goals are met and capitalize on opportunities for scientific advancements and technology transfer.

Dr. Meulien currently serves as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative; and was formerly Country Representative to the European Commission FP7 program on Innovative Medicines and a member of the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation from 2003-2005.

For over 20 years, Dr. Meulien has managed expert research teams with a number of organizations, including Aventis Pasteur in Toronto (Senior Vice President of R&D), and in Lyon, France (Director of Research). Dr. Meulien’s academic credentials include a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and a post-doctoral appointment at the Institut Pasteur in Paris.

About Genome British Columbia
Genome British Columbia is a catalyst for the vibrant life sciences cluster on Canada’s West Coast, and manages a cumulative portfolio of over $300M in technology platforms and research projects. Working with governments, academia and industry across sectors such as forestry, fisheries, agriculture, the environment and human health, the goal of the organization is to generate social and economic benefits for British Columbia and Canada.

For further information please contact:
Julia White
Communications Officer
Genome British Columbia
(604) 637-4378