Eleven Québec projects to benefit from major investments
Montréal, February 4, 2019 – Major federal and provincial investments in the genomics sector were announced today in conjunction with three recent Genome Canada competitions.
Daniel Coderre, President and CEO of Génome Québec, is proud to recognize the results obtained by Québec, which secured $18 million for 11 projects, a share of more than 30% of the overall federal funding available.
The strong performance by Québec researchers in Genome Canada’s most recent competitions positions Québec as a key driver of innovation: “The funds awarded today give researchers access to the tools, technology and resources they need to leverage the full potential of genomics. This science is transforming our way of doing things by improving productivity and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. These strategic investments reflect an innovative approach to problem solving and to decision-making by focusing on our capacity to master the use and processing of Big Data generated by genomics research,” said Mr. Coderre.
For example, Dr. Régen Drouin, research fellow at Université Laval, received $5.1 million to develop bioinformatics algorithms that will help deliver better clinical genomics diagnoses when screening for chromosomal abnormalities, including rare diseases in children. His research is expected to save the Canadian healthcare system some $12 million.
The diagnostic tools resulting from this project are being developed in partnership with Fullgent Genetics, a leading developer of genetic tests in the United States. The company will be opening a laboratory in Québec City, undeniable proof that the integration of genomics-based solutions in health is now underway and contributing to our economic development.
Today’s announcement included 11 projects funded in three competitions:
The GAPP program (Genomic Applications Partnership Program) created to promote partnerships between university researchers and end users to meet the needs of key sectors (human health, agriculture, forestry, environment)
The Disruptive Innovation in Genomics Competition launched to promote the development of next-generation technological innovations in genomics.
- Pr. David Juncker and his team (McGill University)
- Pr. Éric Lécuyer and his team (Montreal Clinical Research Institute [IRCM])
The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Competition designed to support the development of approaches using artificial intelligence and other advanced computer-based techniques, as well as methods to process the massive sets of data generated by genomics.
- Pr. Blanchette and his team (McGill University)
- Pr. Bourque and his team (McGill University)
- Pr. Butler and his team (Concordia University)
- Pr. Baniré Diallo and his team (Université du Québec à Montréal)
- Pr. Greenwood and her team (Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research)
- Pr. Najmanovich and his team (Université de Montréal)
- 2 projects for Pr. Xia and his team (McGill University)