$2.2M supports cancer research in BC

Vancouver, BC – The BC Cancer Agency has received nearly $2.2 million in federal funding for equipment purchases.

With the Western Economic Diversification Canada funding, the agencywill purchase three genome sequencers to be installed at its Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC). As well, a new business outreach coordinator will work to increase the centre’s linkages with industry.

The agency says the combination will help it win large-scale research projects, make sequencing more affordable for local industry and the broader life sciences community, while helping retain and attract leading researchers whose work in genome sequencing will enable ongoing cancer research.

“This funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada and the BC Cancer Foundation will provide researchers at the BC Cancer Agency’s Genome Sciences Centre new sequencing technology that is vital for continuing to harness the power of genomics research. Working toward providing new solutions for the challenges in cancer research has become more attainable,” said Dr Samuel Abraham, vice president of research with the agency.

The GSC is one of fifteen research programs that operate as part of the BC Cancer Agency.