C$22 million for Genomics Research

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Global Bioenergy Industry News

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

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C$22 million for Genomics Research

CANADA - Two researchers at Concordia University in Montreal have been awarded more than C$22 million to further advance the innovative genome research.

This investment results from the Genome Canada Applied Genomics Research in Bioproducts or Crops (ABC) competition launched last year and will include major contributions from both Genome Canada and Génome Québec.

Dr Adrian Tsang was awarded C$17.4 million for his project on the discovery of novel approaches for biofuel production.

This represents the largest single budget of the ABC competition and the most significant investment in a project toward environmental sustainability in Genome Canada’s history.

Dr Vincent Martin's project on identifying novel high-value plant-derived bioproducts, which he co-leads with University of Calgary researcher Peter Facchini, was awarded C$13.6 million with more than C$4.6 million for Dr Martin’s activities at Concordia.

The announcement was made in Saskatoon by the Federal Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear and Chairman of the Board of Genome Canada Dr. Calvin Stiller.

"This accomplishment confirms Concordia's exceptional leadership in genomic research," said President and Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth.

"These remarkable grants will truly strengthen the work being done by these talented researchers which, in turn, will create groundbreaking solutions for serious environmental issues."

"Researchers like Adrian Tsang and Vincent Martin make Quebec proud," added Jean-Marc Proulx, president and CEO of Génome Québec.

"These results confirm the critical importance of genomics in leading edge sectors and its contribution to solving problems linked to sustained development. Congratulations to these internationally recognized scientists."

Concordia's Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics is actively involved in research to identify, analyze and develop potential enzymes to be used as catalysts in breaking down industrial and agricultural waste into clean-burning biofuels and other plant-based products for use in a wide range of industrial applications.

Genome Canada received 48 proposals for its ABC competition, each rigorously examined by a panel of international scientific experts – only 12 were chosen based on scientific excellence, as well as strong financial and management plans.