MONTREAL, Jan 16 - Génome Québec and McGill University have put together a novel arrangment that will establish three large international genomics projects and create a related science and technology platform, the groups said.
As part of the deal, Génome Québec will also invest C$135 million, or roughly $84.8 million, over four years in the school, which will help make Québec one of the 10 leading genomic centers in the world.
Believed to be the first of its kind in Canada, the agreement frees up more than C$46 million over four years "for major genomic research projects and a Genomic Service Centre" to be created there, Paul L'Archevêque, president and CEO of Génome Québec, said in a statement released on Tuesday.
Specifically, the money will be used to fund three genomic research projects and a technology platform. It also will look into the way in which this technology may be applied to functional genomics in areas like cancer, asthma, and diabetes, according to the statement. The projects will bring together more than 150 researchers, technicians, students, and postdocs, who will earn a combined annual salary of more than C$24 million.
"As the pace of discovery picks up globally, this large investment will allow our best researchers to launch bold research programs that will help make Quebec one of the top ten leading genomic research sites in the world." Luc Vinet, academic vice principal at McGill University, added in the statement.
Génome Québec, one of the provincial arms of Génome Canada, is a not-for-profit investment organization created to stimulate genomic and proteomic research initiatives in Québec and open up new business opportunities for discoveries made by researchers there.