As Genome Canada marks a pivotal moment in its journey, we reflect with deep gratitude on the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Douville, whose tenure as Board Chair concludes after nearly a decade of transformative service.
Dr. Douville joined the Genome Canada Board in June 2016 and assumed the role of Chair in 2019, becoming the organization’s longest-serving Chair.
Her tenure has been marked by clarity of vision, strategic foresight and an unwavering commitment to advancing genomics for the benefit of Canadians. This approach was shaped by a distinguished career spanning science, investment and governance. As the founder and Managing Partner of AmorChem, a leading early-stage venture capital fund, and now President and CEO of IRICoR, Dr. Douville brought to the role a rare blend of scientific insight and business acumen, grounded in her PhD in biochemistry.
“Elizabeth’s leadership has sharpened Genome Canada’s strategic focus and elevated our national impact,” says Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO of Genome Canada.
“Her guidance, thoughtful challenge and unwavering support have been invaluable to me and to the organization. It’s been a true professional pleasure to work with someone who brings both rigor and perspective to every conversation—qualities that will continue to shape how we lead and collaborate.”
Over the years, Dr. Douville has been a steady hand through times of profound change. She oversaw the transition from former President and CEO Marc LePage to current President and CEO Dr. Rob Annan, fostering a close and collaborative relationship that helped steer the organization through both opportunity and uncertainty. Together, they navigated the challenges of a global pandemic and a rapidly evolving scientific landscape—always with a shared commitment to steering Canada’s genomics community toward maximum impact.
Under her guidance, Genome Canada evolved into a mission-driven organization focused on tackling major national challenges through world-class research and collaboration. Dr. Douville championed the development of our five-year Strategic Directions, bringing her characteristic big-picture thinking and passion for innovation to the forefront. Her leadership was never about governance alone—it was about purpose, progress and people.
As one colleague put it, “Elizabeth brought not only expertise and experience, but also a rare ability to listen, reflect and inspire. She made space for bold ideas and ensured that every voice at the table was heard.”
To mark this moment, we share a few lines from Boarding Past, a poem by Greg Frankson commissioned in her honour:
“once leadership was fully taken aboard
we buckled up for a decade of dedication
imbued with a feeling of la fierté
she dove ahead with skill and determination”
Dr. Douville’s legacy as Board Chair is one of courage, collaboration and conviction. She has supported the ongoing evolution of the Canadian Genomics Enterprise toward greater resilience, inclusivity and ambition than ever before. And though her formal role may be concluding, her influence will resonate across the sector. As the poem reminds us:
“this bon voyage has unlimited calling
engagement doesn’t end, it’s just less vigorous”
On behalf of the entire Genome Canada community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Douville. Your leadership has left an indelible mark, and we look forward to seeing where your next adventure leads.
À la profondeur de notre ADN, nous vous disons merci.