Last week, Dr. Chen Wan presented the First Lead Author Publication Award at the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering Symposium. Congratulations to all recipients on reaching this important milestone in research and innovation. Genome BC is proud to support the next generation of scientific leaders.

⚽🌎 The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is an opportunity to showcase BC innovation, attract investment and build global partnerships. Join Genome BC at the Life Sciences Sector Showcase on June 19 at BC Business House to connect with leaders, investors and innovators from around the world.

🐹 What do pikas have to do with genomics? These small mountain mammals are early warning systems for climate change. A Genome BC-funded project is using genomics, habitat modelling and field surveys to track how pikas are adapting to changing conditions in BC.

⚽🏆 In case you somehow missed it, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off on June 11, with Vancouver hosting its first match on June 13! To get into the World Cup spirit, we asked Genome BC staff a simple question: Which team are you cheering for?

🌊🐋 On #WorldOceansDay, dive into the hidden world of whale communication. In our latest Genomic Repeat ep, Dr. Kaylee explores how whale songs carry culture, evolve over time and are impacted by human activity. 🎧 https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/b87cc2cc-6ed3-4c20-8a02-c626378af1bb?d=sZH2CQc6C

🎉 Congratulations to Sally Greenwood on her appointment as Chief Operating Officer at Genome BC, while continuing as VP, Public Affairs. This well-deserved recognition reflects her outstanding leadership and impact across the organization.

⚽🌎 The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a chance for BC to showcase its innovation ecosystem, attract investment and build global partnerships. 🧬 Join us June 19 at BC Business House as BC’s life sciences sector takes centre stage. 🔗 https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/bcbusinesshouse/ #FIFAWorldCup2026

🔗 Building interoperability in the Canadian Genomics Data Ecosystem and Beyond Join our Data Literacy Webinar series 📅 June 29, 2026 🕤 9:30–10:30 AM PT 💻 Online 🔗 Register now: https://events.genomebc.ca/dls-016-interoperability/11906986?ref=BSKY

A Genome BC-funded team at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and Eyam Health is using AI, genomics and Eyam’s Jennerator and Gemini platforms to make a vaccine to stop bladder cancer from recurring. Learn More: https://www.genomebc.ca/?p=36442

🚀 New funding opportunity: Genome Canada’s latest mission-driven initiative will build foundations for world-leading, data-driven natural resources systems and environmental resilience. bit.ly/4e0UJTY

🧬For our Genomic Repeat of the season, we’re diving back into an ocean mystery. Originally released in 2022, this episode explores the giants of the deep and the unique songs they share across hundreds of miles. 🎧 https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/b87cc2cc-6ed3-4c20-8a02-c626378af1bb?d=sZH2CQc6C

Copper is essential to the clean energy transition, but mining it is energy intensive. A new Genome BC-funded project is using genomics to identify bacteria that can extract copper more efficiently from BC ores — supporting cleaner, more sustainable critical minerals production. ⚡🔬

Earlier this week, Anita Charters moderated a panel at the Annual Health Summit on genetic privacy and security in today’s interconnected data ecosystem. Thank you panelists for exploring how genomic data can be shared responsibly while protecting public trust.

#InternationalDay of #ActionforWomensHealth We’re reflecting on the need to advance women’s health research through science and innovation. As Dr. Chen Wan writes, women’s health remains under-studied, but genomics can help close critical gaps in care and understanding. https://lnkd.in/gJi2Yy2k

In a new Research Money article, Genome BC’s George Poulakidas argues that storing health data in Canada isn’t enough. The bigger questions are who controls it, who can access it and who benefits from its value. https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/2/atp-safelinks.html

Last week, COO Sally Greenwood and Erin DeBruin attended the Global Genomics Education & Training Summit in Bogotá 🇨🇴 Leaders from 35+ countries shared ideas on genomics education, clinical adoption and global collaboration. Thanks to Latin America partners; continuing through GGNET.

Last week, Genome BC’s Kyla Hingwing, Michelle Chan and Annaïck Carles attended the UBC Science Research Mixer, connecting with researchers and partners across biotech, AI, clean energy and life sciences. 🧬 Highlights included talks on AI expansion, mineral research and natural products.

At #WebSummitVancouver, Tony Brooks discussed how Genome BC’s Industry Innovation (I²) Fund helps BC agritech companies bridge the gap to commercialization through reinvesting debt financing. Key takeaway: strong leadership starts with staying open-minded and adaptable. 🌱🧬

🧬 What makes Geneskool’s Summer Science Program so impactful? Students tackle a scientific mystery through hands-on genomics, from DNA analysis to vaccine design, while experiencing life in a real research lab. Registration is open: https://events.genomebc.ca/geneskool-ssp2026/11217280?ref=TWT

How do plants adapt as the planet warms? 🌱☀️ Genome BC-funded research at UBC is exploring how plants may experience epigenetic changes in response to climate change. Read more: https://letstalkscience.ca/news-media/adapting-warming-how-plants-change-beat-heat# Let's Talk Science

🌱 International Day of Plant Health 🌱 🧬 Genomics can help detect plant diseases earlier, track invasive species and support the development of more resilient crops and forests.

🧬 Summer Science Program in Kamloops This summer, students will dive into a scientific mystery involving a genetically modified fungal strain that threatens a leading researcher. 📍 Thompson Rivers University 📅 Aug 10–14, 2026 👥 Capacity: 20 students Registration: https://ow.ly/IFPp50Yv2Wq

Yesterday’s 2026 Genomics Forum brought together over 180 researchers, Indigenous leaders, partners and community members for a full day of meaningful conversation and connection. #GenomicsForum2026 #Biodiversity #Genomics #ScienceCommunity #Collaboration

Communicating a story through visuals and text effectively is an art 🧬 At the #2026GenomicsForum, top posters from this year’s competition were recognized, with a selection of participants also delivering short presentations to share their work. 

🏁🥂 A full day of insight, collaboration and forward-thinking conversations comes to a close at the 2026 Genomics Forum. Thank you to everyone who joined us today. 🌿 #GenomicsForum2026 #Biodiversity #ScienceCommunity #Collaboration

#IndigenousDataSovereignty for Environmental Stewardship A powerful panel on how data is collected, used and governed with Indigenous communities. From confronting colonial legacies to centering community-led approaches, the message was clear: no one-size-fits-all. #GenomicsForum2026

What does it take to map the full diversity of complex life on Earth? 🌍🧬 Professor Mark Blaxter explores Phase II of the Earth BioGenome Project—sequencing all eukaryotic life to unlock biodiversity, conservation, and discovery. #GenomicsForum2026

🌿 Today’s the day! The #GenomicsForum2026 starts this morning, bringing together researchers, Indigenous leaders and partners to explore how genomics can help us understand—and respond to—rapid changes in biodiversity. From climate pressures to habitat loss, the conversations today matter.

The rise and fall of 23andMe 🧬 From spit parties to data breaches, 23andMe’s story is full of twists. What does it mean for your DNA? 🎧 Listen: https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/b87cc2cc-6ed3-4c20-8a02-c626378af1bb?d=sZH2CQc6C #23andMe #DNA #Podcast

🧬 Summer Science Program 2026 in Abbotsford Solve a genomic mystery 🦠, analyze DNA and help design a vaccine—all hands-on 📍 University of the Fraser Valley 📅 July 6–10, 2026 👥 Capacity: 24 students Register: https://ow.ly/IFPp50Yv2Wq

🌿 Join us virtually next week for the 2026 Genomics Forum Biodiversity is changing rapidly. This year’s forum brings together researchers, Indigenous leaders and partners to explore how genomics can help respond to these shifts. https://events.genomebc.ca/genomics-forum-2026/begin?ref=GBCWEB-EC

🔬 From lab to market, the path isn’t linear Last week’s Nucleate event brought together founders, researchers and students for an honest conversation on turning science into real-world impact—from IP to first customers to leaving academia. Great energy and insights all around.

Western white pines once thrived in BC, valued for ship masts and high-quality wood—but a devastating pathogen changed that. A new Genome BC–funded collaboration is using genomics to grow disease-resistant trees and restore these iconic forests. 🌲 Natural Resources

📚 Happy World Book Day! What if books told you exactly what you were getting into? We tapped into our Genome BC mini library for the “If Books Had Honest Titles” trend—sharing candid, one-line takes on science, genomics, culture, society and the human stories behind discovery.

📣 Apply now for Genome BC's Women’s Health Initiative A $2.3M funding opportunity to advance women’s health through genomics across the life course. Driving research that closes critical gaps and delivers real-world impact. https://www.genomebc.ca/funding-opportunity/sector-innovation-program/

At Genome BC, we recognize cannabis as a significant and growing sector—contributing over $2B annually to BC’s economy. 🧬 Watch the video featuring Dr. Marco Todesco (UBC Science) to learn more 👀 A small hint: not every plant makes the final cut. #Cannabis #LifeSciences

Genome BC was at the Transforming Health Symposium last week, contributing to conversations on equity, innovation and impact in health research. From panels on equity in practice and rare disease care to clinical genomics, great to see our team sharing and learning. #HealthResearch

⏰ GAPP deadline at 11:59 pm 🧬 BC researchers — don’t miss your chance to partner with industry and turn genomics into real-world impact. 📝LOI due: April 13 at 11:59pm 🔗 https://www.genomebc.ca/funding-opportunity/genomic-applications-partnership-program-gapp/

With 25% of Canadians facing food insecurity, food security is national security. 🧬 🔗 Read more: https://researchmoneyinc.com/article/food-security-is-national-security-and-science-should-be-treated-as-essential-public-infrastructure

🌱🧬 Genomics is helping reduce emissions in cannabis production. A Genome BC-funded project with Dr. Marco Todesco UBC Science + Aurora Cannabis identified genes controlling flowering 🌸—key to enabling outdoor growing in Canada. #Genomics #ClimateAction #GenomeBC

Part 2 of our series is now live. Building on PRIL, this article explores how the IDEAs Lab model sparks bold, interdisciplinary solutions to complex challenges. Read Part 2 ⬇️ https://www.genomebc.ca/blog/novel-solutions-for-biodiversity-inside-genome-bcs-inaugural-ideas-lab/

⏰ Reminder: GAPP deadline approaching! 🧬 BC researchers — don’t miss your chance to partner with industry and turn genomics into real-world impact. 📝LOI due: April 13 🔗 https://www.genomebc.ca/funding-opportunity/genomic-applications-partnership-program-gapp/

Great ideas thrive in the right collaborative environment. This blog explores the PRIL initiative and how it brings researchers together to tackle complex challenges. https://www.genomebc.ca/blog/genomics-meets-policy-launching-genome-bcs-policy-and-research-innovation-lab-pril/

🧬 Genomic Repeat: Slipping Through the Spectrum Many autistic individuals, especially women, mask traits to fit in—often leading to missed diagnoses and mental health challenges. 🎧 Listen now: https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/b87cc2cc-6ed3-4c20-8a02-c626378af1bb?d=sZH2CQc6C #Autism #Genomics

🧬 Answer revealed! On Thursday, we asked: Which sample types are listed in the Health Metadata Commons? 🎥 Watch the video to learn more about what’s included and how it’s advancing health research. 🔗 www.metadatacommons.ca

🥕 Pause to see if you’re getting a real carrot today! 🔗 Read more: https://www.genomebc.ca/blog/research-in-carrot-and-cherry-crops-to-strengthen-local-food-security

🧬💡 Calling BC Researchers Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) helps Canadian for-profit enterprises partner with researchers to turn genomics innovation into real-world impact! 📝 Learn more: https://www.genomebc.ca/funding-opportunity/genomic-applications-partnership-program-gapp/

Which of these sample types do you think are listed in the Health Metadata Commons (www.metadatacommons.ca): Saliva Blood Air All of the above ***Answers will be revealed 24 hours later

🧬 BREAKING: Sasquatch DNA sequenced in BC? A team of researchers claims to have analyzed a mysterious DNA sample collected deep in BC’s backcountry, sparking fresh debate around one of the region’s most enduring legends. Is it a breakthrough, a mix-up or something else entirely? 👀 #Sasquatch

📣 Nice Genes! is in 3rd place and so close to joining the #Webbys Winners Circle. RT + VOTE: vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting...