Save the Date: Knowledge Translation Canada Summer Institute

The ATM shares its congratulations with Dr. Marco Marra (Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine & Michael Smith Laboratories), who has recently been appointed two highly respected honours.

Amongst a large repertoire of research he has been conducting, Dr. Marra studies how genomic data can be used to provide details (for example, mutations and therapeutic targets for different types of cancer), leading to substantial breakthroughs (such as the ability to personalize cancer treatments for better success). This impact is exciting for the future of translational medicine.

In December 2024, it was announced that Dr. Marra has been appointed to the Order of Canada. Appointment to the Order of Canada is one of the most prestigious recognitions in Canada, reserved for those whose contributions to society are significantly impactful. The full details can be found here. In the announcement, the following information was cited by the Governor General of Canada:

“Dr. Marco Marra (Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Medical Genetics, Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre) was appointed to the Order for how he “propelled Canada to the forefront of genome research. A world-renowned scientist, he led large-scale initiatives and groundbreaking work in sequencing the SARS coronavirus genome, and highlighted the underlying causes of cancers and new treatment strategies. Formerly Director of Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, he continues the global fight against cancer.”

Now, in January 2025, it has been announced that Dr. Marra has also been appointed as one of three new University Killam Professors. The University Killam Professorship is the highest recognition for faculty at UBC, recognizing those with exceptional leadership, teaching, and research.  The full details can be found here, including the following segment:

• The University Killam Professorship recognizes exceptional teachers and researchers who are leaders in their fields, and who have received international recognition for their talents and achievements.

Professor Marco Marra has demonstrated the pivotal role that genomics can play in human health and disease research, through contributions to the Human Genome Project, leading the sequencing of the SARS coronavirus genome and the first proof-of-concept study demonstrating the effective use of whole genome analyses in personalized cancer medicine. His research has uncovered new cancer mutations, candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and has been instrumental in demonstrating the functional interplay between the cancer genome and epigenome. Prof. Marra is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of British Columbia, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and a laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

The Academy of Translational Medicine reflects on the success of the inaugural Transforming Health Symposium, held this Fall.

Professor Graham Lord, providing the Keynote Presentation

The Transforming Health Symposium, held on 4 November 2024, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, marked a significant milestone in advancing translational medicine in the local health science ecosystem. Organized by the UBC Academy of Translational Medicine in collaboration with the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Precision Health Initiative and Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub, the event was designed to bring together a community of global thought leaders, clinicians, investigators, trainees and industry experts to examine the translational pathway highlighting areas of excellence locally and beyond.

The presence and contributions of those in the Academy of Translational Medicine Community were a key factor in the success of the Symposium. The ATM extends a sincere thank you to all who attended and/or participated. Dr. Poul Sorensen, Director of the ATM, and Dr. Dean Regier, Associate Director of the ATM, were actively involved in the program, as were ATM Members Dr. Ryan Flannigan, Dr. Daniel Vigo, Dr. Shannon Kolind, and Dr. Anna Blakney.

Dr. Dean Regier, moderating Panel E: Regulatory Science: Translating Innovation to Patients, Sooner

UBC and BC’s life sciences sector boast a thriving innovation

ecosystem. Our symposium highlighted a new and united commitment to transforming research into real-world health solutions that benefit patients and society. – Dr. Dean Regier, Associate Director, UBC Academy of Translational Medicine

Notably, the event underscored the importance of working as a collective to tap into the full potential of British Columbia’s excellence. The ATM hopes that the Symposium served as a foundation for ongoing dialogue and action in reshaping health innovation for the future​.

I was amazed and gratified by the number of supportive

comments I received from symposium attendees, alluding to how important the symposium was for highlighting BC’s strengths in translational medicine. – Dr. Poul Sorensen, Director, UBC Academy of Translational Medicine

Dr. Poul Sorensen, participating in the Fireside Chat: Pathways to Success and Impact

The depth of expertise and range of perspectives brought forward in this single-day event was made possible due to the presence and participation of experts at the top of their field from across the translational medicine pipeline, from bench to bedside. The schedule included an Indigenous welcome ceremony, an enlightening keynote address by Professor Graham Lord, interdisciplinary panels tackling significant challenges in translational science, a patient-partner perspective, presentations by Catalyst Grant recipients, a fireside chat on pathways to success and impact, and a networking reception. Topics ranged from the integration of precision health tools and regenerative medicine to innovative biomanufacturing strategies, to reflections on regional and international strengths in translational science. The Symposium also highlighted how partnerships across academia, industry, and healthcare can drive impactful solutions, ensuring knowledge translates effectively into real-world applications.

For further insights, you can explore event details and follow-up initiatives at Transforming Health Symposiumand through theAcademy of Translational Medicine.  You can also read an event summary by the CIEBH here.