$12 million to be invested in genome research at McGill

The Government of Quebec has offered to match funding for new genome research at McGill, to the tune of approximately $6 million dollars. The rest of the project funds will come from a variety of sources. The Government has clear objectives in mind: offer the public more effective health care options by shedding new light on complex health problems such as neurological, metabolic and infectious diseases, and support the province’s role as an international leader in the field. "Genomics is one of the niches of excellence in which Québec excels, at both national and international levels, as a result of its innovative projects and the quality of its research," noted Mr. Clément Gignac, Quebec’s Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade.

Ten streams of research at McGill have been selected, covering areas such as genome sequencing, the molecular profiling of drug-resistant cancer and the metabolism of breast cancer. “This new funding is fabulous news for all Quebecers, and we are very grateful to the Government of Quebec for the opportunity to pursue our leading research,” said Dr. Rima Rozen, McGill's Interim Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations). “Beyond the promise of better health, the funding covers areas that may contribute significantly to the development of Quebec, considering the importance of the life sciences sector in our economy.”

The funding comes from a total pool of $27.5 million that was announced today by Minister Clément for research in genomics. Some of that funding was allocated through Genome Quebec, a not-for-profit organization that supports structuring research projects and implements programs designed to integrate research results into the health and natural resources sectors.