Perspectives on Progress | ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010 INFLECTION REFLECTION A celebration of achievement and discovery. INFLECTION The advancement of genomics research over the past 10 years has surpassed the expectations of even the most enthusiastic observers. While it took years and cost $3 Billion to sequence the first human genome, the same task can now be done in weeks and for less than $50,000. Gigabytes of complex raw genomic data can be digested and analyzed at previously unimaginable speeds by sophisticated bioinformatics tools. Metabolomic, proteomic and systems biology technologies are expanding scientists’ views into cellular behaviour—pointing the way to new arenas of discovery. Genomics has reached an inflection point, poised to harness the power of technology to translate the last decade of research into applications that radically improve human health, strengthen economic competitiveness and enrich our society—enhancing quality of life for all Canadians. REFLECTION Since its inception in 2000, Genome Canada has played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of this country’s genomics research sector. In this anniversary year, the organization took the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past—and ready itself for the oppor­ tunities of the future. Message from the Minister of Industry . ............................... 2 Message from the Minister of State (Science and Technology) . ............. 3 Message from the Chair . 4 Human Health . ................................................. 6 Reflection: Dr. Henry Friesen . 8 Technology . 10 Reflection: Dr. Thomas Hudson . 12 Economy. .................................................... 14 Reflection: Dr. Jörg Bohlmann . 16 Society . 18 Reflection: Dr. Bartha Maria Knoppers . 20 The Look Ahead: Perspectives from Canada’s Genome Centre Leaders . 22 Performance and Objectives . 26 Notes on Governance . 36 Management Discussion . ........................................ 46 Outlook 2010–11. .............................................. 53 Contents Financial Statements . ........................................... 54 Message froM the Minister of industry Science and technology have always played an Genome Canada has proven to be a valuable instrument of the government’s important role in human progress, but are argu- Science and Technology Strategy. The research it has funded, the partnerships it ably more tightly interwoven in our daily lives has forged, both within and outside of Canada, and the infrastructure support made today than at any other point in history. They available to Canadian researchers have helped to propel our country to a leadership hold the keys to Canada’s economic prosperity, position on the world stage of genomics. our health and social well-being. I congratulate the staff, executive and directors of Genome Canada for their I am proud to acknowledge Genome Canada’s collective achievement on the occasion of the organization’s tenth anniversary, considerable contribution to this country’s and I look forward to seeing the ways in which genomics will enhance Canada’s scientific endeavours over the past 10 years. competitiveness and quality of life as its discoveries are applied in the years to come. Since Genome Canada’s inception, the first Sincerely, sequencing of the human genome has spawned thousands of new discoveries that are saving lives today, transforming industries and deepening our understanding of the fabric of life on this planet. The Honourable Tony Clement Minister of Industry 2 • GENOME CANADA | ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010 Message froM the Minister of STATE (sCienCe and teChnology) Over the past 10 years, Genome Canada has Our government recognizes the importance of Genome Canada’s efforts—and is supported scientific research on the frontier committed to seeing research in this vital area continue. To demonstrate that com- of genomics and proteomics. mitment, Budget 2010, Leading the Way on Jobs and Growth provided Genome Canada with $75 million in new funding to support its Science and Technology In exploring the building blocks of life, Innovation Centres and a large-scale research competition. Genome Canada-funded researchers have identified the causes of debilitating and, in some I know I am not alone in looking forward to seeing how genomics discoveries will cases, lethal diseases. They have discovered ways continue to improve the lives and livelihoods of Canadians. I want to congratulate to make crops hardier; to preserve fish stocks; Genome Canada on entering its second decade as a facilitator of scientific progress to cultivate healthier forests. They have driven in Canada. the development of new technologies that extend Sincerely, Canada’s research capabilities—and have made those technologies available to other Canadian researchers, strengthening our country’s scien- tific foundation. The Honourable Gary Goodyear Minister of State (Science and Technology) GENOME CANADA | ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010 • 3 Message froM the Chair The evidence that Canada’s genomics enterprise only by funding large-scale research projects but also by building the technological has reached an inflection point is all around us. infrastructure to enable discovery, and by forging connections with international People’s lives are being saved by genetic scientists and consortia. screening for heritable diseases that are 2010 marks Genome Canada’s 10th anniversary, affording the opportunity for the otherwise undetectable. Science-driven entre- organization to reflect on the progress made during its first decade and consider preneurs are commercializing genomic solutions. where it will be needed most in the years to come—supporting researchers’ efforts With the knowledge and technologies at their to apply their discoveries, fostering commercialization, and expanding Canada’s disposal, Canadian scientists have been the capabilities in key areas such as health, agriculture, the environment, forestry, first in the world to sequence the genomes and fisheries. of epidemic viruses such as SARS virus and last year’s ‘swine flu’, H1N1. Over the course of 2009–10, Genome Canada underwent some significant transitions. In the spring, my predecessor, Dr. Calvin Stiller, concluded his term as Board Chair Research is being translated into applications that are poised to deliver significant after six years of outstanding service. My fellow Board members and I thank him benefits for human health, economic prosperity and overall social wellbeing. for his commitment and exemplary stewardship of the organization. The opportunities associated with this ‘inflection’ are enormous. For example, as researchers discover the genetic causes of disease, pharmaceutical manufacturers In October 2009, after a tenure of impassioned and visionary leadership, founding can develop finely targeted drugs for treatment—improving outcomes and accessing President and CEO Dr. Martin Godbout stepped down. Martin was among those a multi-billion dollar market. ‘pioneers’ who early on recognized the significance genomics would have on the economy, environment and society as a whole. We are all grateful for his inspiring Genome Canada is committed to seeing that the opportunities of genomics are work, and for establishing the strong foundation that Genome Canada will build on realized for Canadians and the world. The organization has played an essential in the years to come. role in the development of the country’s genomics capabilities since 2000, not 4 • GENOME CANADA | ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010 Through its activities and programs—in partnership with federal departments and The Board was pleased to appoint Mr. Dale Patterson to the position of interim agencies—Genome Canada will continue to play a role in strengthening Canada’s CEO by year’s end—and pleased also to have the federal government acknowledge knowledge, people and entrepreneurial advantages, three key elements of the Genome Canada’s good work and value as an enabler of its Science and Technology Government of Canada’s Science and Technology Strategy. It will continue to play a Strategy by allocating $75 Million to Genome Canada in its 2010 Budget. leadership role in addressing the ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social I look forward to leading the Board through the coming year as we begin to see the (GE3LS) implications of genomics research. outcomes of this inflection point genomics has reached—and as the benefits of the Genome Canada will also continue to raise Canadians’ awareness of their country’s country’s scientific leadership begin to multiply. genomics success, and of the potential genomics has to improve their lives. Last year, Sincerely, Genome Canada commissioned an EKOS Research Associates survey of public attitudes toward genomics. We were gratified to learn that 82 percent of Canadians are supportive of genomics research and 45 percent have some familiarity with it (up from just a third in 2001). I must thank everyone within the organization, and particularly the members of the C. Thomas Caskey, M.D., FACP joint Board-management transition team established last fall, for their commitment Chair and perseverance over the course of what was a very busy time. The organization not only maintained its operations successfully as it began the search for a new President and CEO, but in fact advanced its strategic thinking and direction. GENOME CANADA | ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010 • 5 HUMAN HEALTH PuTTING LIFESAvING TOOLS IN THE HANDS OF healthcare PRACTITIONERS Genomics and proteomics are changing the