Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) is expanding its mandate and governance to drive innovation across genomics, health, and environmental stewardship — extending its world-leading expertise beyond medicine to address challenges in climate resilience, agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainable resource management.
For more than two decades, the GSC has been recognized internationally as a leader in genomics, bioinformatics, and genome technology innovation. From sequencing the SARS coronavirus genome in 2003 — a global first — to enabling breakthroughs in cancer, rare disease, and infectious disease research, the GSC has consistently delivered impact through cutting-edge sequencing and computational science.
With this expanded scope, the GSC will continue to strengthen its contributions to human health while broadening the application of genomics to sectors that shape life and livelihoods in British Columbia and beyond. This includes advancing research in forestry, marine science, agriculture, and climate science to improve environmental resilience, enhance biodiversity, and support BC’s growing life sciences economy.
“The expanded mandate of the Genome Sciences Centre reinforces British Columbia’s position as a world leader in genomics,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By extending this expertise beyond health to areas like forestry, marine science, and climate resilience, we are ensuring that innovation in genomics benefits not only patients, but also our environment and economy.”
This transformation builds on a $20 million investment by the Province of British Columbia in 2023 through the B.C. Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy. The investment supports the GSC’s evolution toward a broader, cross-sectoral application of genomics — aligning with the province’s efforts to strengthen health care, climate resilience, and economic competitiveness.
A new governance structure to guide strategic growth
Alongside its expanded mandate, the GSC has adopted a new governance model to strengthen strategic direction and accountability. Formerly a department within the BC Cancer Research Institute, the GSC now operates as a standalone program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), guided by a newly formalized Oversight Committee with representation from PHSA, BC Cancer, the Province of British Columbia, Genome BC, and the University of British Columbia (UBC).
“This new structure brings stronger strategic direction and accountability, while preserving the agility and excellence that have defined the GSC for more than two decades,” said Penny Ballem, Interim President and CEO of PHSA. “The GSC will continue to be a cornerstone of clinical and research services and bioinformatics — ensuring that its expertise delivers impact across health, the environment, and the life sciences.”
Supporting provincial priorities through genomics
The GSC’s broader role supports several key provincial strategies, including BC’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, the BC Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, and the StrongBC Future-Ready Action Plan. By leveraging existing infrastructure, data systems, and scientific expertise, the GSC will continue to deliver advanced sequencing and research services that enable discovery and innovation across health, environment, and industry.
The GSC will celebrate this new chapter and highlight cross-sector collaborations in genomics at the upcoming GSC Collaborator Forum on October 24, 2025, bringing together researchers, partners, and innovators from across British Columbia’s life sciences community.
Quick Facts
- The GSC is a world leader in genomics, bioinformatics, and technology development, providing advanced research and sequencing services across cancer, health, and life sciences.
- GSC researchers collaborate with partners in British Columbia, across Canada, and internationally to deliver high-impact genomic research and innovation.
- The GSC’s new Oversight Committee includes representation from PHSA, BC Cancer, the Province of British Columbia, Genome BC, and UBC.
- The GSC’s expanded mandate will ensure genomics continues to inform priorities in health, environmental stewardship, and innovation for the province.
