Seven teams led by UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers have been awarded new federal funding to accelerate genomics-based health innovations in collaboration with industry partners.
The funded projects bring together UBC scientists and Canadian biotechnology companies to develop genomic solutions that are implementation and market ready, accelerating the translation of research into real-world health and economic benefits.
Supported by a $20 million investment from the Government of Canada through Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) and regional partners like Genome BC, the projects focus on pressing health challenges such as enhanced pathogen detection, disease diagnosis, and improved treatments for conditions including cancer, Type 1 diabetes, and endometriosis. UBC researchers are leading seven of the funded projects, four through the national GAPP competition and three through the regional BC-GAPP stream, highlighting the university’s leadership in genomics and innovation.
Among the recipients is Dr. Amee Manges, professor at UBC’s School of Population and Public Health, whose project is supported by $2,546,756 over two years (a combination of funding from Genome Canada, Genome BC, BugSeq, and significant in-kind contributions from partners) to advance genomic solutions with real-world impact.
Read the full article from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine
Rapid Agnostic Pathogen Identification using Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (RAPID-mNGS)
- UBC Investigator: Dr. Amee Manges, School of Population and Public Health
- Industry Partner: Dr. Sam Chorlton, BugSeq Bioinformatics
This project aims to improve detection, surveillance and early identification of emerging respiratory pathogens across Canada. The team will validate their made-in-BC BugSeq platform to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and strengthen Canadian biosecurity and pandemic preparedness.