Genome Canada has named a Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, a seasoned science leader with experience across the Canadian Genomics Enterprise—including as Executive Director of the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN), the first mission-driven initiative led by Genome Canada.
Dr. Lopez-Correa brings more than 20 years of international experience in both the academic and private sectors, and a deep understanding of genomics and innovation that has inspired leaders in science and industry to collaborate toward solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.
“Catalina is an exceptional science leader and communicator perfectly suited for the role of Chief Science Officer. Her skill at bringing people and ideas together from across disciplines and sectors will help Genome Canada deliver missions that improve and save lives, support environmental sustainability and grow our economy for the benefit of people across Canada.” — Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada
A new Chief Scientific Officer to drive mission delivery
Budget 2021 invested $136.7 million in Genome Canada’s new mission-driven strategic vision focused on mobilizing genomics to improve lives, strengthen communities and grow Canada’s economy. In her new role on Genome Canada’s senior management team, Dr. Lopez-Correa will lead the delivery of genomics-enabled missions, with responsibility for executive-level scientific expertise and leadership across the organization, as well as connecting with pan-Canadian and international networks of scientific stakeholders.
Advancing our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility
A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (IDEA) is a hallmark of Dr. Lopez-Correa’s leadership. As the co-founder of the International and Immigrant Women in Science Network, and as a member of Genome Canada’s IDEA committee, she will continue to advance IDEA across the organization, within our missions and the research and innovation ecosystem.
Building on more than two decades of scientific leadership
Dr. Lopez-Correa has previously held Chief Scientific Officer positions at both Genome BC (2016-19) and Génome Québec (2008-15), providing strategic direction for a variety of research and innovation initiatives. Her wealth of international leadership experience includes senior research positions with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly in the U.S., with the renowned deCODE genetics lab in Iceland and with two biotech companies in the U.K., InforMax and Genomica.
This new position will build on her most recent role leading Genome Canada’s mission to tackle COVID-19 and lay the groundwork for future pandemic preparedness, CanCOGeN. Launched in April 2020 to coordinate pan-Canadian large-scale SARS-CoV-2 and human host sequencing, CanCOGeN has played a vital role in Canada’s COVID-19 surveillance efforts—including tracking emerging variants of concern, strengthening international partnerships, and developing the infrastructure for coordinated national sequencing and data sharing at the national and international levels to help Canada tackle future public health challenges.
“My time at CanCOGeN put me on the frontlines fighting COVID-19 with one of the best and brightest teams I could have imagined. Now I get to build on that and help Genome Canada strengthen its national—and global—impact through mission-driven research and innovation.” —Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa Chief Science Officer, Genome Canada