$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.