UVic and Genome BC sign research agreement

Genome BC made it official on Sept. 10 when representatives of the regional centre of Genome Canada came to campus to sign a three-year affiliation agreement with UVic to provide funding for a range of genomics projects.

Included in the agreement are the Genomics Research on Atlantic Salmon Project (GRASP) and a proteomics platform facility.

GRASP will coordinate all aspects of genomic research on salmon and use the information to improve fish husbandry techniques, evaluate the health of wild populations and enhance environmental monitoring from freshwater to ocean conditions. The proteomics facility will use advanced proteomics technologies to identify key salmon proteins and their genes and will provide use of the facility to other universities and industry.

“UVic is delighted to have signed this agreement with Genome B.C. recognizing the scientific importance and societal consequences of advancing genomics research,” says Dr. Martin Taylor, UVic’s vice-president research.

UVic biologist Dr. Ben Koop will co-lead GRASP, first announced in April 2001. Dr. Bob Olafson, (microbiology and biochemistry) will lead the proteomics facility. So far, the two projects have received over $400,000 in support from Genome BC. Roger Foxall, chair of the Genome BC board, Dr. Alan Winter, Genome BC president and CEO, and Brian Schmidt, Genome BC’s managing director, all took part in the signing ceremony attended by UVic President Dr. David Turpin, Taylor and UVic science dean Dr. Vern Paetkau.