Genome British Columbia Foundation

Genome British Columbia Foundation (commonly known as Genome BC) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting world-class genomics research and innovation. Established with the goal of growing globally competitive life sciences sectors, Genome BC aims to deliver sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada, and beyond through the application of genomic science.

Mission and Scope

Genome BC focuses on leveraging genomics to address critical challenges across multiple key economic sectors such as human health, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, agri-food, energy, mining, and the environment. The organization supports research projects, provides access to genomics technology platforms, drives adoption and implementation of genomic innovations, fosters commercialization and partnerships, and emphasizes societal engagement related to life sciences.

Research and Innovation

The foundation invests in complex research and innovation projects that translate genomics discoveries into practical solutions. Genome BC has funded more than 525 projects since its inception, contributing significant co-investment and economic impact to British Columbia's GDP. Its activities include:

• Supporting responsible adoption of omics technologies (genomics, epigenomics, nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics) in healthcare.
• Building capacity within the healthcare workforce to integrate genomics.
• Reducing barriers to genomics uptake with a focus on inclusivity, including the perspectives of patients, families, and underrepresented groups.
• Promoting genomics education for health professionals.
• Addressing social and structural barriers to genomics implementation in healthcare.

Partnerships and Impact

Genome BC acts as a catalyst for government and industry collaborations, partnering with national and international public and private funding organizations to drive growth of British Columbia's bioeconomy. It strategically works with entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), academic institutions, and other stakeholders to foster innovation and commercialization in life sciences.

Beyond research, Genome BC also plays a role in public outreach and education, having engaged tens of thousands of students across hundreds of schools and communities in British Columbia over recent years.

Economic Contributions

As of March 2022, Genome BC's funded research and related activities have resulted in significant economic benefits, including:

• Extensive co-investment attracted alongside Genome BC funding.
• Job creation and advancement of BC-based companies specializing in genomics and life sciences.
• Measurable contributions to the province's gross domestic product through genomics-driven sectors.

Summary

Genome British Columbia Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing genomics research and innovation on Canada's West Coast. By driving scientific discovery, education, commercialization, and societal integration of genomics, Genome BC contributes substantially to the health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity of British Columbia and Canada as a whole.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information about Genome British Columbia and reflects data and descriptions current as of 2022.