Archives for October 2016

Genomics in the Park

Photo: Left to Right: Andrew Hessel, Mark Poznansky, Minister Reza Moridi

On October 20, Ontario Genomics took the Think Synthetic Biology campaign to Queen’s Park. The Honourable Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science, spoke about the need to strengthen Ontario as a powerhouse of research and innovation.

The role that synthetic biology can play in advancing research for wellbeing of Ontarians, Andrew Hessel, Distinguished Researcher, Autodesk, explained how the shift from DNA sequencing to synthesis is enabling the field of synthetic biology. He encouraged Ontarians to invest in the future, and trust in the research leaders.

Ontario’s leading scientists shared their work with Ministers, MPPs and staffers. These included:

  • Dr. Ronni Cohn, The Hospital for Sick Children
  • Dr. Elizabeth Edwards, BioZone
  • Chris Ellen, BioAmber
  • Dr. Bogumil Karas, Designer Microbes
  • Dr. Justin Pahara & Julie Legault, Amino Labs
  • Dr. Keith Pardee, University of Toronto
  • Ben Couillard, iGEM – University of Toronto & Ayan Abukar, iGEM – University of Waterloo

The Think Synthetic Biology report makes recommendations for Ontario to take bold and decisive action to seize the opportunity to advance synthetic biology as a convergent discipline, where IT, genomics and engineering collide to drive the next industrial and social revolution.

Ihor P. Boszko appointed as VP, Business Development

Ontario Genomics [formerly “Ontario Genomics Institute” (OGI)] announced the appointment of Ihor P. Boszko as Vice President, Business Development.

In his mandate, Mr. Boszko will lead and manage all aspects of business development in diverse sectors including human health, agriculture, mining, water and forestry.

“We are delighted to have Ihor on our team,” said Dr. Mark Poznansky, President & CEO of Ontario Genomics. “Ihor is a transformational leader, and I’m confident that he will build on his achievements in commercializing health innovations, to help our organization solve broader industry challenges”.

In his progressive career, Mr. Boszko has been developing, commercializing and partnering innovative technologies in the medical diagnostics industry for nearly 15 years. Most recently, in his role as Vice President, Business Development of Xagenic Inc., Mr. Boszko led the company’s global commercialization plan for a breakthrough molecular diagnostics platform.

“Ontario Genomics has successfully worked with companies across many commercial sectors to enable funding and development of early stage, industry-relevant genomic technologies, with the goal of bringing to market innovative solutions for unmet needs,” said Ihor Boszko. “I am pleased to join the talented team at Ontario Genomics to lead the business development programs geared towards funding and supporting promising innovations.”

His expertise in identifying and developing commercially-relevant technologies, as well as partnering with leaders in the life sciences industry, will be tremendous assets in this new role, which he started on October 3, 2016.

Ontario Genomics appoints three new board members

The Chair of the Ontario Genomics Board of Directors, Brian Underdown, is pleased to announce the appointment of three prominent Ontarians – Karen Michell, Drs. Shana Kelley and John Kelly – to its Board in 2016.

Karen Michell, Drs. Shana Kelley and John Kelly bring with them a wealth of experience in life sciences. Dr. John Kelly in his positions in start-ups and multinational companies, has enabled innovation and diversified agriculture and food opportunities in Canada and globally. Dr. Shana Kelley has found molecular diagnostics companies and held distinguished positions in public and private sector. Karen Michell brings with her a wealth of experience in financial and healthcare sectors and is currently Executive Director at the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario (CAHO).

Enhancing naturally-occurring nutrition in soil

Can we identify soil that contains beneficial naturally-occurring microorganisms and enhance the benefits in amended soils? Ontario Genomics is providing seed funding for an academic-industry partnership to do just that.

Boreal Agrominerals Inc. (Boreal) specializes in the mining and commercialization of Spanish River Carbonatite (SRC), an agro-mineral fertilizer which promotes soil balance and healthy plant growth. To identify the beneficial microorganisms that facilitate nutrient uptake by native plants and cash crops and to expand the economic potential of its product, Boreal is collaborating with researchers from Wilfrid Laurier University and Algoma University to characterize the distribution of microorganisms naturally found at various mining sites from the SRC deposit, located near Sudbury, Ontario.

The team will further investigate the effects of mining and site characteristics on soil microbial communities based primarily on nutrient solubilisation and plant nutrient availability. Once beneficial microorganisms are identified, Boreal aims to determine the specific functional mechanisms associated with nutrient solubilisation, acquisition, and transfer to plants.