News Release

Concordia University receives more than $22 million for genomics research

Grant and Award Announcement

Concordia University

This release is available in French.

Montreal, April 20, 2009 – Concordia University is pleased to announce that researchers Adrian Tsang and Vincent Martin of the Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics have been awarded more than $22 million to further advance the innovative genome research being conducted at Concordia. This investment results from the Genome Canada Applied Genomics Research in Bioproducts or Crops (ABC) competition launched last year and will include major contributions from both Genome Canada and Génome Québec.

Dr. Tsang was awarded $17.4 million for his project on the discovery of novel approaches for biofuel production. This represents the largest single budget of the ABC competition and the most significant investment in a project toward environmental sustainability in Genome Canada's history. Dr. Martin's project on identifying novel high-value plant-derived bioproducts, which he co-leads with University of Calgary researcher Peter Facchini, was awarded $13.6 million with more than $4.6 million for Dr Martin's activities at Concordia.

The announcement was made today in Saskatoon by the Federal Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear and Chairman of the Board of Genome Canada Dr. Calvin Stiller.

"This accomplishment confirms Concordia's exceptional leadership in genomic research," says President and Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth. "These remarkable grants will truly strengthen the work being done by these talented researchers which, in turn, will create groundbreaking solutions for serious environmental issues."

"Researchers like Adrian Tsang and Vincent Martin make Quebec proud", added Jean-Marc Proulx, president and CEO of Génome Québec. "These results confirm the critical importance of genomics in leading edge sectors and its contribution to solving problems linked to sustained development. Congratulations to these internationally recognized scientists".

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Concordia's Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics is actively involved in research to identify, analyze and develop potential enzymes to be used as catalysts in breaking down industrial and agricultural waste into clean-burning biofuels and other plant-based products for use in a wide range of industrial applications.

Genome Canada received 48 proposals for its ABC competition, each rigorously examined by a panel of international scientific experts – only 12 were chosen based on scientific excellence, as well as strong financial and management plans.

Source:
Christine Mota
Director, Media Relations
Concordia University
Tel: 514-848-2424 ext.4884
Cell: 514-952-5556
chris.mota@concordia.ca


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