January 9, 2002

Message from the Chairman
- Dr. Henry G. Friesen, Chairman -

Cows that fight disease. Trees that protect themselves against parasites. Mice that point the way to the biological pathways of diabetes in humans. Thanks to genomics, the most common of organisms are yielding the most uncommon possibilities.

That’s because genomics research is opening new windows into the very foundations of life, new perspectives on the mysteries within us. Through those windows, we are catching glimpses of a world very different from the one we now inhabit: a world of better health, safer medications, more productive crops, healthier livestock and a cleaner environment.

Through genomics we also see new vistas of economic opportunity. Indeed, it is widely believed that genomics, and the related discipline of proteomics, will be the economic engines of the 21st century. Pursuing these opportunities will accelerate Canada’s development as a truly innovative economy — one driven by ideas, imagination and inventiveness.

Already, genomics and proteomics research is propelling not only sectors like biotechnology, but also computers and software. Cosmetics companies are hiring molecular biologists. Energy companies are thinking about different ways to generate renewable fuels.

In a very real sense, leadership in genomics will determine leadership in the new millennium. That’s why it is so important that Canada takes its place among the leaders; that we get out front and create advantages for Canadian researchers.

Many years ago, maps of the world contained the words, terra incognita — unknown territory. But gradually, as brave men and women left the comfort of the certain and the safe, the unknown became known and the map of the world took shape.

Today, there is still terra incognita in the maps of human knowledge. And nowhere is the exploration more exciting — or more important — than in the area of genomics.

That’s why at Genome Canada we are working so hard to create a foundation on which Canadians can build and from which the world can benefit. It’s all part of opening windows and seeing things in a different way.

Henry G. Friesen
Chairman

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