Genome Canada is pleased to present its Annual Report 2013-2014 entitled Genomic Applications.
It is truly an exciting time for genomics in Canada. The power of this technology is accelerating and the knowledge base and capability that Canada has built up is formidable. This opens up many possibilities for applications across diverse sectors of economic importance for Canada including forestry, fisheries & aquaculture, agri-food, energy, mining, environment and health.
A major milestone during the fiscal year was the launch of the Genomic Applications Partnership Program, whose goal is to move genomics-based solutions from laboratories to use in society. We are delighted to report that the program has already solicited much interest and uptake across multiple sectors. All the projects selected for funding under this new program will feature strong potential for genomics-based innovations with considerable economic and social benefits for Canadians in the near term.
We saw major breakthroughs during the year by our funded researchers such as the genome mapping of two of the most economically-important forest trees in the world – the white spruce and Norway spruce. There were significant advancements in cancer research, including a major discovery related to a “sharpshooter” cancer drug and a pre-leukemic stem cell that may be the culprit in initiating the disease.
We are proud that recently an international ranking recognized many of our funded researchers to be among the world’s most influential scientific minds. And we are excited about our continuing role in enabling that world-class knowledge to translate into applications that fuel Canada’s growing bioeconomy and, ultimately, benefit Canadians.
We trust you will find this report an interesting snapshot of Genome Canada’s activities and accomplishments in fiscal year 2013-2014. We remain appreciative of the Government of Canada for its continued support which makes these achievements possible, as well the regional Genome Centres and the many other organizations and individuals who partner with us to harness the transformative power of genomics for the benefit of Canadians.
Read Genomic Applications online.