September 29, 2008

Child Health Genomics selected as Strategic Research Theme by Genome Canada

Mr. Martin Godbout, President and CEO of Genome Canada, announced today that a Position Paper on "Child Health Genomics" was selected for inclusion in Genome Canada's Strategic Research Investment Portfolio for 2008-2009. A second Position Paper entitled “Aquatic and Terrestrial Animal Genomics” was also selected. .

The “Child Health Genomics” Strategic Research Theme, submitted by Drs Janet Rossant (The Hospital for Sick Children), Guy A. Rouleau (CHU Sainte-Justine) and Ronald Lafrenière (CHUM Research Centre), proposes to leverage Canada's expertise in genomics, proteomics, and pediatric research to identify genetic risk factors that will enable better diagnosis and improved long term health outcomes for children in five key areas of impact: 1. pediatric cancer, 2. neurodevelopmental diseases, 3. auto-immune, inflammatory and allergic diseases, 4. obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and 5. birth defects.

The Position Paper was a group effort by some of Canada's finest genomics and pediatric researchers, as well as both government and non-government representatives, who met at a Workshop held in May 2008 in Ottawa.

"I'm thrilled that Genome Canada has selected Child Health Genomics as a major focus of its strategic research initiative", said Dr. Lafrenière, associate director of the Centre of Excellence in Neuromics of Université de Montréal (CENUM). "This will provide an opportunity to invest in health improvements specifically geared to Canada's younger generation".

This announcement is the culmination of the second cycle of an innovative process launched by Genome Canada in November 2007 to identify Strategic Research Themes of national importance. This approach was successful in choosing position papers that describe the application of genomics and proteomics research to an identified biological problem to create applications that will benefit all Canadians.

For more information on the selection process or to consult the position papers, visit Genome Canada’s website.