Génome Québec would like to congratulate Professor Bartha Maria Knoppers, who received the prestigious Order of Québec as an Officer for her outstanding career and her contribution to genomics.
A lawyer specialized in the ethical aspects of genetics, genomics and medicine, Ms Knoppers is a professor in the Department of Human Genetics in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University and Director of the Centre for Genomics and Policy administratively attached to the McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre.
According to Marc LePage, President and CEO of Génome Québec, “Professor Knoppers is a world leader in the fight for the social appropriation of genetics and genomics and we are delighted that she has been recognized for her exceptional work. I would also like to point out that she has played a leading role at Genome Canada and Génome Québec, at the core of the Québec biomedical research infrastructure with CARTaGENE, at the Canadian Stem Cell Network and UNESCO’s Human Genome Organization (HUGO), not to mention her role as lead researcher with the P3G Project (Public Population Project in Genomics), an international not-for-profit organization that fosters collaboration among researchers, the harmonization of samples and data in biobanks and the optimization of their use.”
For years, Professor Knoppers has taken keen interest in such major emerging issues as biobanks, stem cells, cloning, population genetics research, assisted reproduction, newborn screening, pharmacogenetics, rare diseases and the future of public health.
The Order of Québec has been awarded annually, since 1985, to honour Québec residents for conspicuous achievements in any field.
About Génome Québec
Since May 2000, Génome Québec has been the driving force behind the development of genomics in Québec. By supporting over 60 projects and 750 researchers and managing the operations of the McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, Génome Québec is helping to accelerate the discovery of new applications for genomics in strategic areas, such as human health, forestry and the environment.
The funds invested by Génome Québec are provided by the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade of Québec (MDEIE), the Government of Canada through Genome Canada and private partners. For more information, visit www.genomequebec.com.
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For more information:
Éva Kammer
Public Relations Advisor
Génome Québec
514 398-0668, ext. 206
ekammer@genomequebec.com