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Media ReleaseFor immediate publication The Beauséjour Medical Research Institute Welcomes over 80 Researchers for First Microarray SymposiumAugust 25, 2005 (MONCTON, NB) -- The Beauséjour Medical Research Institute (BMRI) was host this week to the first Atlantic Microarray Symposium. The symposium served as a forum for scientists from the four Atlantic Provinces to discuss ways by which their research could benefit from the application of modern biological methods such as microarrays. Over 80 researchers participated in the event, and 14 Atlantic-based researchers gave presentations on the broad applications of microarray technology. A DNA microarray consists of an orderly arrangement of DNA fragments representing the genes of an organism. BMRI, Atlantic Canada's largest cancer research cluster, uses their microarray facility to create molecular profiles of cancer genes and identify targets for cancer gene therapy. This leading technology in medical research also has broad applications in other sectors that are of regional interests such as aquaculture, agriculture and forestry. “This is state-of-the-art research infrastructure that scientists from the entire region can access,” noted Dr. Rodney Ouellette, CEO of the Institute. “For example, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working with us in this facility to examine the impact of environmental toxins on lobster and salmon gene expression affecting growth and reproduction.” Dr. Susan Douglas, Senior Research Officer at National Research Council and one of the speakers, presented her research work at the Institute for Marine Biosciences in Halifax. “A s we build research capacity and expertise, we can enhance research projects in the region, partner with other groups, and explore development opportunities, such as commercial applications of our discoveries. ” stated Dr. Douglas. About the Beauséjour Medical Research Institute BMRI, a private, not-for-profit company, was created in 1998. Since that time, it has blossomed into Atlantic Canada's largest cancer research cluster. The Institute employs over 30 people, including scientists from around the world, in fields ranging from genomics and immunology to molecular biology and bioinformatics. The research funding for the Institute has come in large part from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), which has invested $6,000,000 in the Institute through its Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF). The AIF is aimed at increasing the R&D being carried out in Atlantic research facilities leading to the launch of new ideas, products, processes and services. -30-
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INFORMATION : Françoise Roy
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