About Genome Alberta

What We Are:

Genome Alberta is a publicly funded not-for-profit corporation which initiates, funds, and manages genomics research and partnerships. We strive to be the leading source of information and administration related to genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, bioethics, and other 'omics-related research in Alberta.

Genome Canada was created in 2000 to build international leadership in genomics and proteomics research for Canada. Together with (then) Industry Canada, they recognized the strong genomics research potential of our country, and established five distinct Regional Genome Centres (Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, and BC) to encourage the development of specific Life Sciences research platforms and projects to address and support the various regional priorities as part of the National Strategy. After the formation of Genome Alberta in 2005, we have worked with our partners to ensure continuity in management of the various projects and technology platforms and in that time have been part of 129 research initiatives as a lead, co-lead, or participant. You can see our current project portfolio here.

​With offices in Calgary and Edmonton, Genome Alberta leads projects around the province and participates in a variety of other initiatives across the country. The discoveries arising from Genome Alberta research programs are developed in partnership with provincial educational and research institutions, private industry, government agencies and departments, and with regional, national and international research teams and organizations that will ultimately realize social, economic, environmental and medical benefits for all Albertans and Canadians.

Supported by a sound Alberta economy, high education levels, impressive national and international ranking of our universities, technical schools and medical centres, and the internationally acclaimed accomplishments of our researchers and scientists, Genome Alberta is confident that we will help position Life Sciences research as a driving force for Alberta's future.

Our Vision:

To inspire and catalyze genomics solutions that benefit Albertans and the world.

Our Mission

To promote and support Genomics solutions for end-user needs to create value and investment opportunities through excellent science, technology and application development, collaborations and partnerships.

Priority Areas

Genome Alberta will focus its efforts on the enhancement of four strategic priority areas:

• Agriculture/Forestry/Environment / Bioproducts: These are important and growing areas of Alberta 's bioeconomy where the applications of genomics technologies are expected to provide the foundation for improvements in quality, productivity, renewability and safety.
• Biomedical/Health: Improvements in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management will be of increasing importance to Albertans, and all will benefit through the applications of genomics science and technology.
• Life Sciences Technologies: The core technology platforms of genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics and nanobiotechnology will provide the resources and instrumentation that will be central and necessary to advances in all life sciences research and development programs.
• Genomics Ethical, Economic, Environmental and Legal Studies (GE³LS): As the science of genomics advances and areas of potential application become increasingly apparent, it is essential that we also undertake studies of the impact of this work on our environment, our society and our economy, so that risks may be minimized and benefits enhanced in a sound regulatory climate that has the confidence and understanding of Albertans.