Michael Smith Bronze Portrait unveiled at Science World

On December 1, 2024, a bronze portrait of our founding Director Dr. Michael Smith was unveiled in the Science World main lobby. The portrait honours his legacy in BC and across Canada, not just for his scientific discoveries, but for his impact on the field of science as a whole.

Dr. Marco Marra appointed as Officer of the Order of Canada

Dr. Marco Marra is appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for how he “propelled Canada to the forefront of genome research.” This honour is bestowed upon Canadians who “make extraordinary contributions to the nation”. Dr. Marra’s leading genome research has included work on the Human Genome Project, sequencing the SARS coronavirus genome, and most recently studying the genomics of several cancers towards personalizing cancer treatment. Outside of his research program, Dr. Marra has long remained a leader in BC and Canada’s genomics research, education and training spaces. As co-founder and director of Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer for over two decades, co-founder and co-director of our Genome Sciences and Technology Graduate Program, and a founding member of our Bioinformatics program, his leadership and impact continue to shape the field of genomics.