Who we are
Our mission
Génome Québec’s mission is to catalyze the development and excellence of genomics research and promote its integration and democratization.It is a pillar of the Québec bioeconomy and contributes to Québec’s influence and its social and sustainable development.Our vision
Genomics-driven innovations improve health care service delivery, support agrifood, environmental and forest management practices and enhance public policies.Our values
• Excellence • Openness • Creativity • Integrity • Ethics •What is genomics?
Genomics is a branch of science that focuses on the study of the entire genetic information of a living organism, including humans, plants, animals and microorganisms.
As a disruptive technology, genomics is transforming our way of doing things in many areas and providing solutions that support economic growth in Québec. It drives innovation, accelerates discoveries and finds answers to many of the challenges we currently face as a society.
In human health, genomics is used to:
- improve diagnoses;
- develop therapies based on each person’s genetic information;
- understand the impact of our lifestyle and environment on our genome and our health.
In agrifood, genomics is used to:
- develop crops that are more resistant to factors that hinder their growth (e.g., diseases, pests, frost, drought, floods, etc.);
- create safe biopesticides;
- design tools to improve the traceability of food, crops and livestock.
In forestry, genomics is used to:
- develop screening tools to prevent the introduction of invasive alien pests into our ecosystems;
- identify the strengths and weaknesses of each species studied to expand the options available for the management of our forests and ensure their future;
- find sustainable, efficient solutions to solve the problems affecting logging operations.
In environment, genomics is used to:
- implement methods to evaluate and better understand the genetic specificities of living organisms;
- deliver sustainable and cost-effective solutions to various environmental issues;
- identify problems, such as contamination and pollution, in a fast, efficient way.
How long has Génome Québec been supporting Québec research?
Génome Québec, a private, non-profit organization established in 2000, plays a leading role in the genomics research community by financing the most relevant research projects and providing researchers with guidance to help them build expertise of international calibre.
Québec has every reason to be proud of the success of its genomics researchers, since they have earned global recognition for the quality of their work and for major discoveries made right here at home.
In the last 20 years, more than $1 billion dollars has been invested in genomics through Génome Québec. This includes investments from the provincial and federal governments, as well as from private partners.
Projects funded
Researchers funded
Where there is life, there is DNA
Each and every cell of all living organisms contains their genetic code. Think of this unique code as an instruction manual that helps distinguish individuals from one another but also, surprisingly, group them together and study their evolution through the centuries. The study of the whole genome helps scientists better understand all life forms – from animals and plants to fungi and microbes. This very detailed understanding of life can pave the way to solutions to our environmental, economic and social challenges.
A growing number of discoveries are now translated into practical applications, demonstrating the immense potential of genomics for a variety of economic sectors.