Genomics on the Hill

Vincent Martin, a Concordia biology professor, was a guest speaker in Ottawa before Members of Parliament during an event called “Genomics on the Hill” on November 22.

Organized by Genome Canada, Genomics on the Hill allows scientists a unique opportunity to display their research innovations to ministers, MPs, senators, government staff and embassy officials as well as key stakeholders on Parliament Hill.

Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, with Vincent Martin, Canada Research Chair in Microbial Genomics and Engineering. | Photo courtesty of Genome Canada.

The meeting featured a host of scientists behind six of Canada’s most exciting genomics research projects. Martin spoke about how his Genome Canada project is cataloguing the genes of 75 plants and how these genes can be used to produce valuable molecules.

His research may eventually allow scientists to engineer microbes to produce medicines, fragrances, insecticides and other plant-produced products.

Jim Flaherty, Federal Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament, greets Concordia professor Vincent Martin (centre). | Photo courtesty of Genome Canada.

Related links:
•    Concordia Department of Biology
•    Concordia Journal story on Vincent Martin’s research 
•    Genome Canada