Genome Canada, Canada’s premier agency for funding genomics and related areas of science and technology, announces that President and CEO Dr. Pierre Meulien, is to step down from his position on July 17, 2015. Dr. Meulien has led the organization since October 2010.
“I have enjoyed immensely my time at Genome Canada and have appreciated the support and vision that the Government of Canada has provided in the area of Science, Technology and Innovation, particularly as it relates to investments in genomics, which truly is the foundation of Canada’s growing bioeconomy. I have no doubt Canada will remain a key global player in this cutting-edge field given the immense research talent, world-class infrastructure and visionary leaders who form part of this nation’s thriving genomics enterprise.”
Dr. Meulien has accepted a new position as Executive Director of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) in Brussels, Belgium. IMI is the world’s biggest public-private partnership initiative in the life sciences, working to improve health by speeding up the development of, and patient access to, innovative medicines, particularly in areas where there is an unmet medical or social need.
Lorne Hepworth, Chair of Genome Canada’s Board of Directors, paid tribute to Dr. Meulien’s achievements: “During his five years at the helm of Genome Canada, Dr. Meulien has put in place an action plan that has made Canada a powerhouse in genomics, recognized internationally for our contributions to advancing research, innovation and applications in key areas including personalized health, agriculture and the environment. As a leader and a visionary, he continuously promoted the foundational role of genomics as a driver of the bioeconomy and made significant progress in promoting the uptake of genomics by multiple sectors vital to Canada’s economic strength and social wellbeing.”
The Board of Directors has initiated a global search to select the organization’s next President and CEO. In the meantime, the Board has appointed Dr. Cindy Bell, who is a long-serving member of Genome Canada’s executive management team, as President and CEO on an interim basis.
Genome Canada is a not-for-profit organization that acts as a catalyst for developing and applying genomics and genomic-based technologies, to create economic and social benefits for Canadians. Genome Canada connects ideas and people across public and private sectors to find new uses for genomics, invests in large-scale science and technology to fuel innovation, and translates discoveries into applications and solutions across key sectors of national importance, including health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries & aquaculture, energy, mining, and the environment. For more information, visit www.genomecanada.ca.
Media contact:
Andrea Matyas
Director, Communications
Genome Canada
613-751-4460, ext. 231
amatyas@genomecanada.ca