McGill's Life Sciences Complex expands its research capabilities
21st-century science facility unveiled
On Tuesday, December 6, scientists at the newly renovated Stewart Biology Building will be showing off the latest research technology at the laboratories of the Developmental Biology Research Initiative, marking the completion of the first phase of a $10-million upgrade. The renovations were made possible by generous donations from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Quebec's Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation, and the Ministère de L'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport.
The facilities will include high-performance microscopy for live analysis and rapid, automated imaging, high throughput robotics for genetics, genomics, proteomics and drug-target discovery, state-of-the-art data management technology, as well as new and renovated lab space and core facilities.
The upgraded facilities also include a customized robot system that will soon be assisting Professor Siegfried Hekimi of the Department of Biology on projects focused on how the genes which affect our health actually work. "These high-throughput robotics for genetics, genomics, proteomics, and for drug discovery allow us to fully engage in projects for this new century," says Hekimi. "Until now, we were working with a building and research facilities designed in the 1960s."
Professor Paul Lasko, leader of the Developmental Biology Research Initiative and Chair of McGill's Department of Biology, works with fruit flies in the cutting-edge field of developmental genetics. Lasko, an internationally respected researcher, says the facility's new data management technologies and renovated lab space are "essential to innovative research that has fundamental implications for cancer biology and other important questions of human health."
Renovations to the Stewart Biology Building are part of the multi-phase development of McGill's new Life Sciences Complex, an interdisciplinary medical research facility. Plans are to create a four-building complex, including the existing McIntyre Medical and Stewart Biology buildings and the addition of two new buildings: the planned Francesco Bellini Life Sciences Building and a new cancer building.
Denis Thérien, Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations) says, "Creating an interlinked research infrastructure allows McGill to remain at the forefront of biomedical research by bringing together top scientists in an ultra-modern facility."
The opening of the renovated laboratories of the Developmental Biology Research Initiative takes place December 6 at 11:00 am in the Stewart Biology Building, Room W5/2, 1205 Doctor Penfield, Montreal.
For information on attending the opening or to arrange interviews with research scientists contact Kristine Greenaway at 514-398-7698 or kristine.greenaway [at] mcgill.ca (by email).
