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Catalina Lopez-Correa

Catalina Lopez-Correa

Chief Scientific Officer

With more than 20 years of international experience in both the academic and private sectors, Catalina Lopez-Correa’s deep understanding of genomics and innovation has inspired leaders in science and industry to collaborate toward solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Before taking on her role as Chief Scientific Officer in July 2021, she served as Executive Director of the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN).

Dr. Lopez-Correa holds a Medical degree from the UPB in Colombia, a Master’s degree in Human Genetics from Paris V University in France, a PhD in Medical Biosciences from the KULeuven in Belgium, a mini MBA from McGill University in Canada and has trained in innovation leadership at Singularity University.

Before joining Genome Canada, Dr. Lopez-Correa was Chief Operating Officer at Ruta N Medellin. In this capacity, she coordinated the operations of a world class innovation hub that uses cutting edge technologies and approaches to solve the city’s most pressing social and economic challenges. With Ruta N, she supported SMEs, universities and governmental initiatives aiming at putting innovation at the forefront of economic and social development. Prior to joining Ruta N, Dr. Lopez-Correa was the CSO and Vice-President Sectors at Genome British Columbia (2016-2019) and  CSO and Vice-president Scientific Affairs at Genome Quebec (2008-2015), where she was instrumental in developing competitive teams for national and provincial research and innovation initiatives raising the profile of Canadian genomics on the global stage.

Before becoming one of Canada’s leading advocates for genomics, and an international leader in using innovation to solve world challenges, Dr. Lopez-Correa held senior research positions with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly in the US, the renowned deCODE genetics lab in Iceland and two biotech companies in the UK (Genomica and Informax).

As part of her commitment to international development, Dr. Lopez-Correa has championed several initiatives aimed at demonstrating the impact of genomics and innovation in developing countries. She is also fully committed to advance equity, diversity and inclusion, with a particular interest in gender equity in science that led her to be a co-founder of the IWS Network (International and Immigrant Women in Science).

Dr. Lopez-Correa’s work has been recognized with several awards. In 2017 she received the Canadian Senate 150th Anniversary Medal. In 2013 she was recognized by National Order of Merit Award in the Rank of Officer, appointed by the Honorable President of the Republic of Colombia. In 2012 she was recognized as one of the 100 Colombians living abroad that have been highly successful on their professional career.