News
Enhancing Long-Read Sequencing: Introducing the Agilent Femto Pulse System at the GSC
We are excited to announce the arrival of the Agilent Femto Pulse System at the GSC! This high-sensitivity automated pulsed-field capillary electrophoresis instrument will be a game changer for nucleic acid quality control - detecting nucleic acids down to 50 fg/µL of DNA or RNA per sample and resolving fragments from 100 base pairs (bp) to over 165 kilobases (kb) in about 1.5 hours.
Canada joins Federated EGA, establishing a significant global repository for secure sharing of human genomic and health data
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer hosts the Canadian Node of the Federated EGA
In a major milestone for international biomedical research and the future of personalized medicine, the Canadian Genome-Phenome Archive (CGA), part of the Pan-Canadian Genome Library (PCGL) has joined the Federated European Genome-Phenome Archive (Federated EGA), marking the federation’s first significant expansion outside of Europe.
The CGA is hosted by Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer.
POG and Dr. Marco Marra’s Killam Prize Featured in The Globe and Mail
Dr. Marco Marra and the groundbreaking Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) program have been prominently featured in The Globe and Mail following Dr. Marra’s recognition as a recipient of the 2025 Killam Research Prize in health sciences. This prestigious award highlights his contributions to Canadian research, particularly in the realm of genomics and precision cancer medicine.
GSC to Collaborate on Five Projects for the Canadian Precision Health Initiative
The GSC is proud to announce its collaboration on five groundbreaking projects as part of the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI). This ambitious national effort, launched today in Ottawa by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, represents an $81-million investment from the Government of Canada through Genome Canada.
Dr. Marco Marra appointed as UBC Killam Professor
UBC has announced the appointment of Dr. Marco Marra as one of three new University Killam Professors. The University Killam Professorship—the highest honour UBC can confer on a faculty member—recognizes exceptional teachers and researchers who are leaders in their fields, and who have received international recognition for their achievements.
Marco Marra
Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine & Michael Smith Laboratories
Dr. Marco Marra appointed Officer of the Order of Canada
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced today the appointment of Dr. Marco Marra as an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Laura Evgin selected Canada Gairdner Early Career Investigator
Congratulations to Dr. Laura Evgin for being selected as one of the 2025 Canada Gairdner Early Career Investigators for her work in CAR T-cell therapy.
Dr. Nadine Caron inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Dr. Nadine Caron has been inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in recognition of her transformative leadership in Indigenous health and surgical practice.
Dr. Caron is a senior scientist with BC Cancer’s Genome Sciences Centre, co-director of the UBC Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and a professor in UBC’s department of surgery and Northern Medical Program, which is delivered in partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia.
Recipients of BC Cancer Foundation 2024 Rising Stars Award competition announced
Congratulations to the recipients of the BC Cancer Foundation (BCCF) 2024 Rising Stars Award competition!
This year’s awardees are: