April 02, 2015
Two centres awarded funding through federal innovation network
Vancouver, BC – Two BC-based science and technology platforms have received substantial federal investment through Genome Canada’s 2014 Genomics Innovation Network (GIN) program. Both BC-based nodes, the sequencing platform at Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) at the BC Cancer Agency and the Proteomics Centre will each receive $2-million in funding over the next two years.
The Genomics Innovation Network is designed to allow innovation centres across Canada to collaborate and harness their collective power for the advancement of genomics research. Each node provides Canadian and international researchers with access to the leading-edge technologies required for research in genomics, metabolomics, proteomics and related areas. These nodes are also well positioned to push the boundaries in terms of developing new technologies in genomics and related sciences.
Furthermore, the highly-qualified personnel within each node will provide the Canadian research community with advice and expertise on use and selection of appropriate technologies, study design, data analysis and bioinformatics, ensuring that Canadian research remains world-class and highly competitive on a global scale.
Part of Genome Canada’s first technology programs, the GSC platform has been delivering large-scale DNA sequencing data efficiently and reliably since 2001. Since that time, it has continuously and rigorously evaluated new advances in technology and implemented the most effective to continue to meet the demands of life sciences researchers across Canada. The GIN node at the GSC, led by Drs. Marco Marra and Rob Holt, is well positioned to play an important role in future large-scale genomics projects that require rigorous experimental design and high-integrity data.
The University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre has been a central hub for proteomics research in Canada for over a decade. The GIN funding will enable the cutting-edge research and strengths of that Centre, led by Dr. Christoph Borchers, and the University of British Columbia Proteomics Core Facility, led by Dr. Leonard Foster, to provide clients with a “one-stop shop” for an expansive range of high-quality proteomics services: this node will be known as the Proteomics Centre. It provides support at every step, from assisting with securing project funding to assisting with publishing research results and every step in between. The cutting-edge services offered by the Proteomics Centre are an integral step in the integration of proteomics into life sciences research in BC.
Dr. Borchers is also co-leader for the Alberta/BC Metabolomics Innovation Centre which will receive close to $2-million in funding.
“The GIN program demonstrates the depth and capabilities of ‘omics’ research in BC and across Canada,” says Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO of Genome British Columbia. “We congratulate the successful teams and look forward to hearing the outcomes of the research that they support.”
For more information on the GIN program please click here.
