“Delivering meaningful socio-economic impact requires innovation-friendly companies, creative academic experts, and a mix of private and public sector investment. That means exploring opportunities, finding partners and developing proposals. We are the connective tissue that has been bringing those key success factors together for 25 years.”
. Dr Steve Armstrong, President & CEO, Genome Atlantic
Over the past quarter century, Genome Atlantic has helped drive transformations that are reshaping industries, advancing health, and unlocking new possibilities for Atlantic Canada. Some of these game-changers have already moved the needle in measurable ways; others are still unfolding, with the potential to deliver lasting change in the years ahead.
To mark our 25th Anniversary, we’ve chosen 25 game-changing initiatives from among our many current and past projects to showcase the breakthroughs and bold moves driving genomics forward across the region.
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to Canada’s softwood lumber industry, and the race is on to breed tree varieties that can weather the change. Building on earlier work that boosted softwood production by an estimated 10%, FastTRAC 2 – a current $6.2-million partnership co-led by Genome Atlantic and Genome Québec, three provincial governments, and industry partners – is using genomic selection to accelerate the breeding of commercial spruce varieties that can thrive in warmer climates – estimating a tree’s traits at the seedling stage rather than waiting up to 20 years as with conventional tree breeding programs.
“FastTRAC 2 is very important for Atlantic Canada. Quite possibly, this venture is going to make tree breeding programs in our region the most advanced in the country.”
– Bruce Stewart, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
WATCH THE STORY UNFOLD:
To see how genomics is helping protect Atlantic Canada’s oyster industry.
When the deadly MSX parasite was confirmed in P.E.I.’s Bedeque Bay in July 2024 – and soon after in New Brunswick – alarm bells rang across the region’s oyster sector. Harmless to humans but fatal to oysters, the disease threatens an industry worth $58 million in P.E.I. alone.
Genome Atlantic is currently leading a coordinated response, advancing both immediate and long-term genomics solutions. In 2025, Genome Canada contributed $1 million towards a $3.1 million four-year project to develop MSX-resistant oyster broodstock – led by Genome Atlantic in partnership with Génome Québec, L’Étang Ruisseau Bar/Mallet Oysters, and Université Laval. Using genomics and advanced selective breeding, the team will rapidly identify and propagate disease-resistant traits. Genome Atlantic is also spearheading an $800,000 project under Genome Canada’s eDNA Surveillance Initiative to create early detection tools for MSX and Dermo, another serious oyster parasite. Together, these efforts are helping protect coastal livelihoods and strengthen the oyster industry’s resilience.
“Ultimately, oysters will only thrive if they’re resistant to MSX. Genomics allows us to develop that resistant seed much faster — and get it into growers’ hands sooner.” – Dr. Martin Mallet. L’Etang Ruisseau Bar/Mallet Oysters
Atlantic Canada’s salmon farming sector is a cornerstone of the region’s aquaculture industry, but it faces mounting challenges from climate change, disease challenges, and the need to incorporate more sustainable feeds. Over the years, Genome Atlantic has worked closely with aquaculture industry partners to bring advanced genomic tools to the forefront of these efforts – identifying and breeding salmon strains with greater natural resilience to disease and changing ocean conditions, improving feed efficiency and reducing reliance on chemical treatments.
These innovations support healthier fish, more sustainable farming practices, and stronger economic performance.
Prince Edward Island supplies 80% of the mussels sold in North America, anchoring a $60-million industry that employs 1,500 people. Climate change, warming waters, and rising storm intensity are putting this vital sector at risk. Genome Atlantic has led two major genomics initiatives with industry and research partners to boost production, improve quality, and build climate resilience.
Triploid mussels offer superior meat quality and faster growth. Genime Atlantic is currently working with PEI’s Atlantic Aqua Farms and other partners on a $3.4-million initiative to create Canada’s first selective breeding program for triploid mussels. Using genomics, the team is also selecting for heat-tolerant traits, helping growers adapt to climate change while increasing yields without expanding water leases. This project builds on an earlier $800,000 initiative that led to the development of genomic tools for a selective breeding program to produce mussels that grow faster and can better withstand disease and temperature stress – potentially doubling P.E.I.’s annual mussel production within a decade. Together, these projects position P.E.I. to maintain its global market lead and ensure a sustainable future for its mussel industry.
Healthy, productive forests are essential to Atlantic Canada’s economy, environment and way of life. Genome Atlantic co-founded and continues to be actively involved in the Atlantic Tree Improvement Council (AtlanTIC), a unique, $6M, five-year partnership bringing together industry, government, and researchers in a joint effort to share information, research and technologies to improve commercial tree species.
AtlanTIC is an enviable model of regional collaboration, uniting the four Atlantic provinces – industry, government and academia working together – in a common vision for stronger, climate-ready forests.
Through this collaborative, members can access research and a suite of advanced technologies, including genomics, to improve tree breeding. For example, adding genomics to conventional tree breeding can help decrease tree breeding timelines from 20-30 years to as little as five, while boosting genetic diversity and building climate resilience in Atlantic Canada’s forests.
AtlanTIC is expanding its network of field trials and strengthening regional capacity through training, knowledge-sharing, and alignment with forest policy. These efforts help the sector meet pressing challenges such as climate change, invasive pests, and global competition. Membership includes forestry companies, government departments, and researchers.
“AtlanTIC is about collaborative tree improvement between various members – provincial governments, industry, and scientists. The goal is to achieve advancements and genetic gains to enable faster-growing trees and healthier forests that are well adapted to future climatic challenges.”
– Francois van Deventer, Executive Director, AtlanTIC
Under naturally occurring conditions, only about 10% of balsam trees grow into premium grade Christmas trees. By comparison, 80-90% of SMART balsam fir seedlings grow into premium grade trees. SMART trees have superior shape, late bud flush, longer needle retention, and higher resistance to pests and disease – which are added benefits to both growers and consumers. Genome Atlantic, working with the SMART Christmas Tree Research Cooperative Ltd., and the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia, supported the development of a plan to commercialize SMART seedlings, to get them in the hands of growers as soon as possible. The plan leverages the support of previous funders and aims to dramatically boost profits for Nova Scotia’s $55M Christmas tree industry while offering growers climate resilience and reduced labour costs. Now in field trials across the province, these trees are attracting strong grower interest and promise to be a game-changer for both the industry and rural economies.
“One of our primary goals with the development of SMART Christmas tree research project, is to take the average number of premium grade, top quality, Christmas trees from 10% per area (which is the average +/-) to 80-90% per area…I believe that the help from Genome Atlantic is going to take us to success.”
– James DeLong, Smart Christmas Tree Research Cooperative
Offshore wind is a strategic priority for Nova Scotia, and understanding the seafloor is essential to building it right. Genome Atlantic is currently partnering with the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Saint Mary’s University on a large-scale effort to explore and characterize deep-sea methane seeps on the Scotian Shelf. These naturally occurring seeps, where methane gas escapes from the seabed, offer valuable clues about the ecosystem and the geological forces that shape it. This knowledge is vital for both offshore energy exploration and clean energy development.
Using advanced genomics, lipidomics, and geochemistry, the project is creating powerful new tools to pinpoint naturally occurring methane and hydrocarbon seeps. By analyzing microbial communities and thermophilic bacteria, these tools can reduce risk in offshore oil exploration and support critical environmental application, from geohazard assessment and methane leak detection to establishing baseline data for environmental monitoring. The results could also help guide the placement of green energy infrastructure, such as offshore wind farms, with precision and environmental stewardship in mind.
“This genomic data can be used for geohazard assessments for subsea infrastructures in order to put up an offshore wind structure, or for carbon capture and underground storage infrastructure.”
– Adam MacDonald, Nova Scotia Department of Energy
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas – and a significant but difficult-to-monitor source of emissions. Genome Atlantic is supporting current NSERC-funded research using microbial genomics to pinpoint these hidden leaks. Certain microbes thrive on hydrocarbons like methane, and by analyzing their genetic fingerprints in soil and water, scientists can accurately detect and characterize emissions without intrusive drilling or costly surveys.
This microbial approach represents an environmentally friendly, cost-effective tool for both regulators and industry. By making leak detection more precise and efficient, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supports responsible resource management, and strengthens Canada’s commitment to climate action.
Mining plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada’s economy, supplying the raw materials that fuel industries from manufacturing to clean energy. Genomics can bring new efficiencies, environmental safeguards, and innovative solutions to the sector – anticipated to help discover mineral-rich deposits, optimize extraction, and remediate mine sites. Within this, critical minerals are especially important, as they are essential for clean technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and advanced batteries, as well as high-tech manufacturing. Genome Atlantic is committed to help the mining sector meet growing demand while protecting ecosystems and supporting a low-carbon future.
In May 2024, we launched a Genomics in Mining funding program, in partnership with the College of the North Atlantic and MICA (Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator), to advance genomics-driven tools – such as eDNA biodiversity monitoring and eco-friendly remediation method – for a more sustainable mining sector. We are also in the process of developing a comprehensive assessment of how and where genomics can help advance critical mineral extraction to boost productivity and sustainable resource management in Atlantic Canada.
Milking Shorthorn cattle are considered ‘greener’ because they are extremely efficient at converting forages into rich milk with high fat and protein, leading to lower feed costs and a reduced environmental footprint. However, breed numbers declined over time as dairy farms opted for higher milk production breeds like Holsteins. Now, the beloved Milking Shorthorn is experiencing a resurgence, especially in Canada – and Genome Atlantic has supported efforts by the Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society, based in Prince Edward Island, to build a genomic reference population, genotyping the breed across the Maritimes to guide genomic evaluations that enhance on-farm efficiency and climate-friendly milk production. Funded through Genome Atlantic’s Genomics Opportunity Review Program (GORP), this initiative laid the groundwork not only for breed revitalization but for future genotyping of Milking Shorthorn cattle nationwide. The Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society is betting that genomic evaluations for the Milking Shorthorn will ensure the moderate-sized cows with the climate friendly advantage will gain even greater traction on Canadian dairy farms.
“We’re building a reference population for genomic evaluation of Milking Shorthorns. The genetic evolution system we have right now gives us at most 50-60% reliability, but with genomics we hope to improve that reliability and have that information even earlier.” – Ryan Barrett, Canadian Shorthorn Milking Society
Sea lice are one of the biggest challenges in salmon farming, costing Canadian salmon farmers an estimated $18M a year. Cleaner fish – such as lumpfish and cunner – offer a natural, environmentally friendly solution. These fish eat lice directly off salmon, reducing the need for chemical treatments and supporting more sustainable aquaculture practices. To meet the rapidly growing demand for cleaner fish in salmon farms, Genome Atlantic supported research at Memorial University’s Ocean Sciences Centre through a collaboration with Cold Ocean Salmon. The project focused on developing a broodstock program to supply reliable, high-quality cleaner fish on an industrial scale, and advancing vaccine testing and development to protect these fish from bacterial infections for which no commercial vaccines currently exist. While the use of lumpfish as cleaner fish currently faces some regulatory uncertainty as Fishereies and Oceans Canada considers listing the species under the federal Species at Risk Act – the foundational broodstock research continues. This work is helping to preserve genetic resources and scientific expertise that could be vital should future regulations allow for the sustainable use of cleaner fish in aquaculture.
“Being able to take a product and move it to commercialization in partnership with Genome Atlantic and Cold Ocean Salmon is a win-win.” – Danny Boyce, Facilities & Business Manager of Dr. Joe Brown Aquatic Research Building, Memorial University
The endangered North Atlantic Right Whale faces severe threats including low reproductive rates, dangerous interactions with fishing gear and vessels, and environmental pressures like shifting food availability due to climate change. Genome Atlantic is leading a four-year, $6 million Canada-U.S. initiative to help save the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Working with Saint Mary’s University, New England Aquarium, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Whale Institute, and U.S. research partners, the project uses genomics to uncover how inbreeding, fishing gear entanglements, and vessel strikes affect the whales’ ability to recover. Understanding the genetic factors influencing reproduction and stress resilience can unlock targeted interventions, whether in habitat protection, policy, or recovery planning.
The ongoing Atlantic Ports Baseline Biodiversity Initiative is advancing marine environmental stewardship by piloting cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring in four Atlantic Canadian ports: Halifax, Saint John, Summerside, and Corner Brook. Traditional biodiversity monitoring methods can be labour-intensive and limited, but eDNA offers a non-invasive, comprehensive way to detect species and assess ecosystem health. Through regular sampling spanning 2024 to 2026, the project aims to generate robust biodiversity data to inform port environmental programs while demonstrating the global applicability of eDNA as a standard biomonitoring tool.
This collaborative effort unites Genome Atlantic, IGNITE Atlantic, PEI Marine Science Organization, and Atlantic Canada-based eDNA companies Dartmouth Ocean Technologies and eDNAtec, working alongside the participating ports. Beyond strengthening local monitoring capacity, the initiative positions Atlantic Canada as a leader in sustainable port management, contributing both to international best practices and to a deeper global understanding of marine biodiversity.
Sometimes, even modest investments can unlock big opportunities. In 2022, Genome Atlantic launched the Small-Scale Climate Change Fund (SSCCF) with support from Research Nova Scotia, awarding a total of $124,530 to eight genomics research projects.
Each project tested promising ideas with the potential to help Atlantic Canada’s industries adapt to climate change. From exploring heat tolerance in mussels and early detection of oyster parasites, to investigating climate-resilient potatoes and enhancing soil carbon storage, these proof-of-concept initiatives are already generating knowledge that can lead to larger-scale research and lasting impact. By combining small-scale funding with industry and government partnerships, Genome Atlantic has shown that targeted early investments can spark the innovation needed to address big challenges.
“Climate change poses serious and far-reaching challenges for Nova Scotia. That’s why Research Nova Scotia is proud to partner with Genome Atlantic on the Small-Scale Climate Change Fund. These research projects will help mitigate the effects of climate change on our region and promote sustainability and resilience in our traditional industries.” – Stefan Leslie, CEO, Research Nova Scotia
Genome Atlantic’s Genomics and Clean Technology Program was designed to do a lot with a little. By providing small, targeted investment – the program helps companies and researchers test proof-of-concept ideas, de-risk technologies, and position themselves for larger-scale funding. Delivered under Genome Atlantic’s Genomics Opportunity Review Program (GORP), it focused on genomics-based clean technology challenges, with a special impact on emerging synthetic biology startups.
Through a strategic partnership with the Verschuren Centre, Canada’s premier scale-up facility, the program supported a range of early-stage ventures, including several women-led companies tackling challenges from sustainable surfactants to eco-friendly dyes and alternative proteins. While modest in size, these investments arrive at pivotal moments in a startup’s journey – helping transform promising ideas into validated technologies. The program underscores how small, timely supports can spark big innovation and strengthen Atlantic Canada’s clean technology ecosystem.
In 2024, Genome Atlantic partnered with New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) to support the development of the Functional Genomics Training Program, a forward‑looking initiative aimed at strengthening Atlantic Canada’s clinical genomics capacity. This training program – backed by Genome Atlantic – will equip learners with functional genomics and clinical consultation skills. The first offering is expected to be a short-course micro-credential introducing key concepts in genomics – ideal for both medical laboratory technician students and biotechnology professionals looking to enhance their skills. The new training program aims to ensure a critical pipeline of locally trained technicians ready to support genomic applications in clinical settings.
By investing in targeted education and hands-on training, Genome Atlantic is helping to build the skilled workforce essential for translating genomics into meaningful healthcare innovation. This program reinforces the organization’s commitment to nurturing human capital alongside technological advancement, showing how focused, modest efforts can have a lasting impact on the region’s innovation ecosystem.
“Implementing genomics research and technology requires trained, highly qualified personnel in all areas, from discovery research to routine testing. NBCC is developing a genomics training module for our Medical Laboratory Technician diploma, supported by Genome Atlantic’s funding and connections. This will eventually provide a home-grown pool of talented support staff to boost the growth of genomics in the Atlantic region.” – Dr. Simon Potter, NBCC
Genome Atlantic and partners launched the Environmental DNA (eDNA) Innovation Fund in 2024 to accelerate the adoption of eDNA as a powerful tool for biodiversity monitoring and environmental management. The Fund provided targeted support for applied projects that showcase the technology’s potential to deliver cost-effective, non-invasive, and highly accurate environmental insights.
The first three projects funded through the program demonstrated the breadth of applications: advancing passive ship-based biodiversity sampling to reduce monitoring costs, developing a proactive strategy against invasive zebra mussels before they reach Nova Scotia waters, and applying shallow shotgun sequencing to track the microbial health of Sable Island’s iconic horse population. Together, these initiatives highlight how eDNA is transforming the environmental monitoring toolkit – positioning Atlantic Canada at the forefront of innovation in conservation, industry resilience, and sustainable resource management.
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is responsible for roughly 20% of pipeline corrosion failures, costing Canada’s oil and gas sector billions each year. In 2016 the $7.8 million, three-year geno-MIC project was launched.
Co-managed by Genome Alberta and Genome Atlantic, and involving researchers from four universities, the project used genomics to better predict, prevent, and mitigate MIC. By understanding how, where, and why MIC occurs, the project informed measures to improve infrastructure integrity, reduce spill risk, enhance worker safety, and ultimately, help save the industry an estimated $300–$500 million over the next two decades. Funded through Genome Canada’s Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition, geno-MIC has helped to close critical knowledge gaps to protect both the environment and the energy sector’s bottom line.
In March 2025, Genome Canada announced a $17.6M sequencing collaboration to help us better understand why chronic diseases, including hypertension, adult-onset diabetes and triple-negative breast cancer disproportionately affect Black populations in Canada. The transformational project, “Genomic Evidence for Precision Medicine for Selected Chronic Diseases among Black Peoples in Canada”, was announced as part of a $200M Canadian Precision Health initiative.
The project aims to sequence the genomes of approximately 10,000 Black Canadians including African Nova Scotian communities. By seeking a deeper understanding of the impacts of selected chronic disorders on health, morbidity, and mortality of Black peoples, researchers will contribute to more equitable health outcomes. The project is co-led by the Hospital for Sick Children, McGill University/McGill University Health Centre, Dalhousie University and McMaster University and managed by Genome Atlantic with support from Génome Québec and Ontario Genomics.
For generations, many families in Newfoundland and Labrador were devastated by fatal heart attacks striking seemingly healthy young people – a tragedy known locally as the “Newfoundland Curse”. With support from Genome Canada and Genome Atlantic, researchers at Memorial University traced the cause to a mutation in the TMEM43 gene that leads to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Their discovery, in 2008, led to a simple blood test to identify those at risk and in turn, offer treatment options including implantable defibrillators, that have saved countless lives.
In recognition of their groundbreaking work, the team received the Governor General’s Innovation Award in 2018. Their research now extends to regenerative medicine, with the long-term goal of curing ARVC and lifting the burden of this genetic curse.
Rare diseases often take years to diagnose, leaving families without answers and delaying treatment. Genome Atlantic is helping change that through the All-for-One Rare Diseases initiative, a three-year, $4.8 million project launched in 2022, that aims to provide a more consistent standard of care by increasing genomic testing capacity across Canada.
In partnership with the IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University and others, the project makes it possible to perform clinical exome and genome sequencing here in the region—rather than outsourcing tests to private U.S. labs. This shift means faster turnaround times, better data security, and expanded diagnostic reach for patients, especially in prenatal and neonatal care.
By reducing diagnostic wait times that can stretch to seven or eight years, the project will give families earlier answers and access to treatment, while also building the expertise and infrastructure needed to sustain genomic medicine in Atlantic Canada for the long term.
Genome Atlantic is supporting groundbreaking work in Atlantic Canada to unravel the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder and serious mental illnesses. A Nova Scotia–led research team is exploring DNA-based contributors to mood disorders, with the aim of developing new clinical tools for earlier diagnosis and intervention. The original Genome Atlantic-supported project, announced in 2019, has laid the foundation for the team’s continuing research and discoveries. Building on this groundwork, the team recently published findings in the American Journal of Psychiatry, showing that genetic testing for traits like neuroticism—a known risk factor for serious mental illness—can be nearly as accurate as a full family history in detecting vulnerability. This breakthrough paves the way for earlier, more proactive monitoring and care.
By combining genomic markers with clinical data, the team’s ongoing work positions Atlantic Canada at the forefront of personalized mental health care—helping to shorten diagnosis timelines, inform tailored treatments, and improve outcomes for patients and families across the region.
In 2010, Genome Atlantic co-led IGNITE, a $4.8 million project focused on rare genetic disorder – often called “orphan diseases”, which, collectively, affect more than three million Canadians. IGNITE united basic scientists and clinicians across Atlantic Canada, leading to the discovery of multiple disease-causing genes and putting the region on the map as a leader in orphan disease research.
IGNITE’s collaborative spirit set the stage for the launch of the Centre for Genomic Enhanced Medicine (CGEM), a network of scientists and clinicians dedicated to advancing both gene discovery and drug development in parallel. With strong partnerships and new investments, CGEM is a scientific and clinical hub for inherited and acquired genetic diseases, leading to ground-breaking discoveries in the areas of orphan disease gene and drug discovery, cancer diagnostics and the medical microbiome. A promising treatment for Fabry disease is currently in clinical trial and a potential therapy for childhood blindness (FEVR) is moving forward.
What began as a Genome Canada–funded project has since grown into a hub of innovation with international reach, demonstrating the long-term value of early genomics investments and the power of collaboration to transform patient diagnosis and care.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to both human health and the agri-food industry, as bacteria increasingly evade the drugs used to treat them. This not only puts human and animal health at risk but also threatens food security and drives up costs in the agri-food sector.
To address this challenge, Genome Atlantic co-led ARETE (Antimicrobial Resistance: Emergence, Transmission, and Ecology) – a $1.4 million national initiative launched in 2019 and aimed at developing advanced bioinformatics tools to track how resistance genes emerge, spread, and move between environments such as soil, livestock, and people. By shifting surveillance from static “snapshots” to a dynamic view of AMR transmission, the project provided important new information to enable more effective monitoring and response across Canada’s food and health systems. The open-source software provided a national framework to safeguard Canadians while strengthening the resilience of our agri-food industry.
“If you see the exact same gene in chicken X and patient Y, in farm soil, sewage, or what have you, that can give you a pretty clear view of what is being transferred, where it is happening, and by whom. This knowledge can then drive efforts to contain the spread of AMR.”
– Dr. Rob Beiko, Dalhousie University
Genome Atlantic played an important role in supporting regional research during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping advance critical genomics projects at Dalhousie University. In January 2020, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Canada, and within months, Genome Canada launched a COVID-19 Regional Genomics Initiative. With support from Genome Atlantic and Research Nova Scotia, two teams of Atlantic Canadian scientists received more than $300,000 to tackle urgent challenges in testing and treatment prevalent in 2020.
Researchers at Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre led an international effort to identify biomarkers that could predict the severity of COVID-19 infection. Their work, expanded with patient samples from the Northwood Care outbreak in Halifax, was designed to contribute to new tools and protocols to help doctors assess patients quickly and guide treatment decisions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and ICUs. Meanwhile, another Dalhousie University research team piloted an innovative surveillance testing model designed to detect early transmission trends in high-risk settings such as long-term care facilities, food processing plants, and fishing vessels. This goal of this simple, cost-effective tool was to provide a potential model to strengthen Canada’s testing capacity and limit hidden chains of transmission.
