Vancouver – A recognized international leader in genomics, bioinformatics, and genome technology innovation, Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)’s new expanded mandate and cross-organizational governance structure will drive innovation in science, medicine, and environmental stewardship, from discovery to real-world impact.
For more than 20-years, the GSC has developed and deployed cutting-edge sequencing and computational platforms to enable breakthrough research across cancer, rare and infectious diseases, and the broader life sciences. In 2003, the GSC was the first genome science centre in the world to sequence the genome of the SARS coronavirus.
With its new expanded mandate, the GSC will continue their work to advance diagnosis, treatment and health while expanding the application of genomics in areas such as forestry, marine science, agriculture, biodiversity and the effects of climate change. Through this work, researchers will enhance environmental stewardship and agricultural resilience, mitigate disease risks and boost BC’s biotech sector.
“The expanded mandate of the Genome Sciences Centre reinforces British Columbia’s position as a world leader in genomics,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. "At a time when science and innovation in life sciences is taking a back seat south of the border, we are doubling down on our commitment to research and innovation here at home. By extending this expertise beyond health to areas like forestry, marine science and climate resilience, we are ensuring that innovation in genomics benefits not only patients, but also our environment and economy.”
This builds on the Province’s $20 million dollar investment in 2023, through the B.C. Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, to begin this shift within the GSC and support a broader application of genomics as BC faces growing challenges in health care, climate resilience and economic competitiveness. GSC’s world-class geneticists, bioinformaticians and molecular biologists are behind landmark advancements in disease diagnoses and cures, climate-reliant crops and forest health.
Historically, the GSC functioned as a department within the BC Cancer Research Institute. Now, GSC’s new strategic direction also includes a change in governance with the GSC becoming a standalone program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). The GSC will now be governed by a newly formalized Oversight Committee to guide the strategic priorities of the GSC, composed of representatives from PHSA, BC Cancer, the Province of British Columbia, Genome BC and the University of British Columbia.
“This new structure brings stronger strategic direction and accountability, while preserving the agility and excellence that have defined the GSC for more than two decades,” said Penny Ballem, PHSA’s interim president and CEO. “The GSC will continue to be a cornerstone of clinical and research services, and bioinformatics — ensuring that its expertise delivers impact across health, the environment and the life sciences.”
This broader mandate for the GSC supports the province in furthering key provincial strategies including BC’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, BC Life Science and Biomanufacturing Strategy and Strong BC Future-ready Action Plan, by providing advanced research and sequencing services across cancer, health and life sciences with existing talent, infrastructure and data systems.
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre is a world leader in genomics, bioinformatics and technology development, providing advanced research and sequencing services across cancer, health and life sciences.
- The GSC’s work supports clinical genomics programs and enables groundbreaking collaborations in British Columbia, across Canada and around the world.
- The GSC operates a leading-edge genomic sequencing and bioinformatics platform that enables researchers and collaborators across Canada and internationally to carry out innovative, high-impact genomic research.
- The GSC’s new Oversight Committee, which includes representation from PHSA, BC Cancer, the Province of British Columbia, Genome BC and UBC, will report to the interim president and CEO of PHSA and guide the centre to ensure genomics continues to inform health, environment, and innovation priorities for the province.
The
Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) provides specialized
health care services and programs to communities across British Columbia, the territories of many distinct First Nations. We are grateful to all the First Nations who have cared for and nurtured this land for all time, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlil̓w̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations on whose unceded and ancestral territory our head office is located. We work in partnership with other B.C. health authorities and the provincial government to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit
www.phsa.ca or follow us
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
Media contact: Christopher Foulds
Communications officer
Provincial Health Services Authority
236-997-6657
PHSA Media Line: 778-867-7472
