On October 24, 2025, Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) hosted our second annual, highly successful Collaborator Forum, with a focus on single cell technologies. The day brought together researchers, partners, and innovators from across British Columbia’s genomics community to share ideas, strengthen collaborations, and celebrate the GSC’s next chapter.
The day featured a dynamic program of talks and discussions showcasing the depth and breadth of genomics research across health, environment, and technology. We were honored to welcome an outstanding lineup of speakers; Dr. Marco Marra, Dr. Sam Aparicio, Dr. Adi Steif, Dr. Leonard Foster, and Dr. Loren Rieseberg, who shared insights into their groundbreaking research conducted in collaboration with the GSC.
A special thank-you goes to our sponsors, whose generous support made this event possible and helped us continue building a thriving, connected genomics community.
One of the highlights of the day was the engaging panel session moderated by Dr. Yussanne Ma, where Dr. Andy Mungall, Dr. Richard Moore, Dr. Robin Coope, and Eric Chuah discussed the GSC’s approach to collaborative technology development. The session inspired thoughtful questions from the audience and underscored the importance of shared innovation in advancing genomic science. The rapid fire presentation session was another forum favorite, featuring lively three-minute pitches from Sequence to Innovate competition finalists alongside abstract-selected talks that showcased exciting, emerging research from across the community. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the GSC’s laboratories, gaining an inside look at the technologies and teamwork driving discoveries in genomics.
The day concluded with the poster session and GSC “Next 25 Years” Reception at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre - an inspiring evening that celebrated the GSC’s expanded mandate and the people who make our work possible. A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible partners who joined us in marking this milestone and shared thoughtful and inspiring remarks that captured the spirit of collaboration and innovation driving genomics in British Columbia. We were honored to hear from:
- Dr. Penny Ballem, Interim CEO, Provincial Health Services Authority
- Cynthia Johansen, Deputy Minister of Health, Government of British Columbia
- Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew, Interim Executive Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer, BC Cancer
- Dr. Gail Murphy, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, The University of British Columbia
- Dr. Tony Brooks, Interim CEO, Genome British Columbia
Each speaker offered a unique perspective on the role of genomics in advancing precision health and strengthening BC’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Finally, we extend our deepest thanks to all GSC staff and volunteers whose hard work, creativity, and dedication made this year’s Collaborator Forum a success. Your efforts truly embody the collaborative spirit that defines the GSC and the genomics community we serve in British Columbia.
