August 05, 2020
Vancouver, BC – Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) today announced the appointment of Dr. Federica Di Palma as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) & Vice President, Sectors. She brings over 20 years of international experience in science, technology and innovation with an emphasis on understanding complex biological systems. Dr. Di Palma’s deep understanding of genomics and strategic expertise will make her an essential member of the Genome BC leadership team and a key asset in fulfilling the goals outlined in the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan.
Dr. Di Palma holds a PhD in Immunogenetics from the University of Reading and brings strong international connections, with experience in the US through institutions such as NIH, Harvard and MIT. Most recently she was Director of Science at the Earlham Institute and she remains Professorial Fellow in Biodiversity in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia.
“Dr. Di Palma brings extensive experience in interdisciplinary matrix type environments in combination with strong interpersonal and management skills and a natural strategic ability. She has a track record of collaboration and mentorship and understands the importance of building strong relationships across government, academia and industry”, says Dr. Pascal Spothelfer, CEO and President, Genome BC. “We look forward to leveraging her experience within our own life sciences community to further catalyze genomic applications that bring tangible benefits to British Columbians and help with BC’s long term economic recovery.”
Dr. Di Palma’s previous experience also includes her roles as the Assistant Director, Vertebrate Genome Biology at the Broad Institute of Harvard, a Senior Research Scientist and Service Centre Manager at the Hubbard Centre for Genome Studies at the University of New Hampshire, Durham and a Fogarty Fellow, National Institutes of Health.
“I am thrilled to be joining Genome BC. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and share my experience in science innovation and technology with BC’s impressive scientific and industry communities. I believe that multidisciplinary research, partnerships and multisectoral perspectives are key to solving today’s health and environmental challenges and effectively informing policy development and implementation,” says Di Palma. “Omic sciences will only increase in potential and power with the enhancement of bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and increased uptake capacity and I can’t wait to work with the team at Genome BC to make this happen.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Di Palma has also developed an extensive list of accomplishments in scientific outreach, publications, editorial development, public and policy engagement, and international development activities. She sits as an elected member to the “Mission de Sabios” to establish the future in Science, Innovation and Technology for Colombia’s Vice-President and holds an honorary Professorship position at the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia.
Dr. Di Palma will begin her position with Genome BC on September 1, 2020.
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About Genome British Columbia:
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization supporting world-class genomics research and innovation to grow a globally competitive life sciences sector and deliver sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Over the past 20 years, Genome BC has generated over $1.1B of investment in more than 425 genomics research and innovation projects, including nearly 1,000 collaborations with partners across BC and in 42 countries. Genome BC initiatives are improving the lives of people throughout BC by advancing health care, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, agrifoods and agriculture, mining and energy, and environmental stewardship. In addition to scientific programming, Genome BC works to integrate genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation, and is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. genomebc.ca
Contact:
Sally Greenwood
Genome BC
VP Communications & Societal Engagement
