Genome BC’s head scientist is heading to Ottawa to take the role of president and CEO of Genome Canada.
Pierre Meulien had been the chief scientific officer (CSO) of Genome BC for three-and-a-half years. While there, Meulien was responsible for developing the organization’s international strategy, which resulted in partnerships with the European Union, Chile, Australia and Norway.
As well, he spearheaded an international consortium to sequence the Atlantic salmon genome, which will lead to better management of wild fish stocks and breeding selection for commercially important traits.
Meulien has also been active in the private sector, including leading research and development teams at Aventis Pasteur in Toronto and Lyon, France.
In a release, he said that in his new role, he wants to improve the utility and application of genomics technologies in order to enhance industry uptake across all economic sectors important to Canada.
Sally Greenwood, Genome BC’s director of communications, said the organization is actively searching for a new CSO – both within B.C. and internationally – and expects to appoint a new one within three months.
She told BIV Tuesday morning that Meulien has particularly strong collaboration skills.
His international connections and expertise helped raise the organization’s profile while he was there, she said.
Genome BC is one of six genomics research centres across Canada that co-fund and collaborate on genomics research with Genome Canada.
While Genome Canada is one of Genome BC’s largest funders, other government institutions as well as companies in the private sector frequently co-fund Genome BC’s research.
Genome BC is currently preparing applications for funding and support from Genome Canada in two separate competitions being held by the Ottawa-based organization.
Genome Canada will put $30 million towards genomics research projects related to forestry and the environment.
In the other competition, another $30 million will go to research projects related to any industry or application.
Genome BC is managing 96 research projects that have total budgets of $450 million.