Genetics is both the most fundamental biological science as well as the foundation of modern medicine. It is therefore auspicious that the Institute of Genetics (IG) and CIHR have been created at the beginning of the new age of biology and medicine promised by the Human Genome Project and the genome projects of model organisms. To become the inaugural Scientific Director of the IG at what is undoubtedly the beginning of the most dramatic period in the history of genetic research is a truly exciting prospect.
The goals of the IG will be, first, to enhance the ability of basic and medical geneticists, as well as developmental biologists, structural biologists, biochemists and proteomicists, to do their work and to train future generations of scientists. Second, the Institute will encourage translational research by fostering collaboration between the basic and clinical research communities of Canada. The effectiveness of this interdisciplinary dialogue will require the development of strong clinical genetic research initiatives and the training of additional academic clinical geneticists. Third, the Institute will collaborate with other Institutes of CIHR to optimize the impact of genetic discovery on other disciplines. The IG will also take advantage of the excellent genetics organizations that already serve the Canadian genetic and medical communities, by working with them to identify common goals. Fourth, the IG will assist in bringing the genetics expertise of other countries to the Canadian medical science community, and in promoting the knowledge and experience of Canadian scientists internationally. Finally, the IG will inform the Canadian public of important new genetic knowledge of general and medical significance. A critical responsibility of the IG will be to examine the ethical, legal and social implications of new genetic discoveries. The IG will seek the opinion of the scientific, medical and lay communities in developing informed positions on the complex issues that will inevitably be generated by new findings and technical developments.
I look forward, over the next four years, to working with the Canadian genetics community, already one of the finest in the world, to improve further the excellence of our research enterprise.
