Page 4 - Génome Québec - 2016-2017 Annual Report

MESSAGE FROM THE

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

In recent years, we have devoted much energy to strengthening the bonds between
universities and industry. In addition to contributing to the growth of genomics, these
efforts have helped to position Génome Québec as a key player in the Québec innova-
tion system. I am pleased to report that in this respect the results have been extremely
positive. The time has now come, however, to take it to the next level, so that genomics
may reach its full potential through its integration into society. Our challenge now
revolves around Big Data, deep learning and artificial intelligence.

Let me illustrate my point with the example of the Watson intelligence (Canada First Research Excellence Fund)
computer system by IBM and its use in medicine. The within major Québec universities. Second, the Québec
robot is capable of helping doctors diagnose disease. government’s $40 million subsidy to Génome Québec
It can be programmed to process the innumerable files has given us the momentum we need to strengthen our
and scientific articles required for establishing patient footing. In fact, the Québec life science strategy has
diagnoses, treatments and prognoses. In the blink of an identified precision medicine and Big Data analytics for
eye, Watson can analyze and sort through this mass of health care as two cross-cutting niches to be prioritized
information, thus serving as an important support tool in in order to position Québec as a global innovation leader.
decision making.
For Génome Québec, the meeting of these two sectors
Sequencing the human genome generates a tremendous of excellence – artificial intelligence and genomics –
volume of data. Unfortunately this information is not will help Québec attain a unique position on the world
much use to doctors unless it is processed and linked stage, attract foreign investments and transfer, at a
with the patient’s medical file and family history – faster pace, the benefits of promising breakthroughs
hence the need for Watson. Precision medicine will to Quebecers.
enjoy a successful future only to the extent that we can
use the mass of genomic data available based on their To meet these ambitious, yet realistic, goals, we have
environmental and social context. As such, it is critical brought on board a seasoned leader. I would like to
for each nation to have its own reference genome. The warmly welcome to Génome Québec our new
United Kingdom, the United States, China and others President and CEO, Daniel Coderre, a man recognized
are successfully working at this right now. Québec for his reputation as an excellent manager.
too must jump on the bandwagon, which is why it Last but not least, I wish to thank the members of the
is hard at work developing a genome reference of Board of Directors for their outstanding contribution
10,000 Quebecers. in bringing their experience in the field, their expertise
and exceptional energy to our organization.
I am convinced that this new reality is just around the
corner, ready to emerge. As a first clear indication,
let us note the federal budget investment in artificial

MARTIN GODBOUT

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 4