Dr. Federica Di Palma is an international research leader whose work bridges human and environmental health through genomics, data science, and global collaboration. As Interim Senior Executive Director of the Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) and Chief Scientific Officer at Genome British Columbia, she leads initiatives that integrate advanced genomic technologies and data-driven discovery to accelerate innovation across medicine, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Dr. Di Palma earned her PhD in Immunogenetics from the University of Reading, where she mapped and characterized the bovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC), providing new insights into vertebrate immune diversity. Her early research as a Fellow at the U.S. National Institutes of Health explored the genetic basis of sensory disorders, followed by leadership of the Vertebrate Genome Biology Group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. There, she applied comparative genomics to understand genome evolution and its relevance to human disease, contributing to landmark mammalian and vertebrate genome sequencing projects.
At the Earlham Institute in the United Kingdom, Dr. Di Palma served as Director of Science, where she led the institute’s strategic scientific program, establishing successful international research initiatives in biodiversity, agriculture, and data-driven life sciences. She has continued to publish actively while fostering collaborative networks that link research excellence with societal impact.
With over two decades of experience in science, technology, and innovation, Dr. Di Palma combines academic leadership with executive-level strategy. She serves on international scientific advisory boards and councils, advising governments and organizations in the UK, US, Canada, and developing countries on genomics policy, capacity building, and research investment.
Dr. Di Palma is deeply committed to cultivating scientific talent, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving impact-oriented outcomes. Through her leadership, she continues to champion a global, inclusive approach to genomics that empowers innovation for both human and environmental health.
