Advancing Genomics Technologies for Health and Life Sciences

The Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC), a provincial program within the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is a recognized international leader in genomics, bioinformatics, and genome technology innovation. By developing and deploying cutting-edge sequencing and computational platforms, the GSC supports breakthrough research across cancer, rare and infectious diseases, and the broader life sciences. Our work enables earlier diagnosis, novel therapeutic approaches, and transformative applications of genomics to improve human health and environmental resilience—delivering both social and economic impact through science.

Partner with the GSC

The Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) is here to support your research. We collaborate with investigators to design robust experiments, process complex and high-value biological samples, and provide advanced sequencing and bioinformatics services—all with the goal of making genomics accessible and impactful for the global scientific community.

Explore our technology platforms and service offerings, and if you are interested in collaborating or have questions, please complete our contact form or email us at info@bcgsc.ca.

The GSC is ISO/IEC 27001 certified for information security management, ensuring the highest standards in data protection and confidentiality.

Scientific Research

The Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) brings together faculty members with expertise across genomics, computational biology, cancer, disease biology, and the broader life sciences. Our research harnesses the power of genomics to improve human health—through better diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention—and to advance the broader application of genomics across sectors that support a more sustainable and resilient future.

Translational Genomics and Clinical Integration

The Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) is distinguished by its strong integration of research and clinical practice, fostering close collaboration between scientists and clinicians to enable real-time translational impact. Through the Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) program, the GSC applies whole genome and transcriptome sequencing to guide therapeutic decision-making for patients with advanced cancers.
In addition to its research mandate, the GSC is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP) to perform clinical genomic panel testing, supporting precision medicine initiatives across British Columbia.

Questions?

We’re here to help - reach us at info@bcgsc.ca.

News

Mar 05, 2025

GSC to Collaborate on Five Projects for the Canadian Precision Health Initiative

The GSC is proud to announce its collaboration on five groundbreaking projects as part of the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI). This ambitious national effort, launched today in Ottawa by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, represents an $81-million investment from the Government of Canada through Genome Canada.

Jan 14, 2025

Dr. Marco Marra appointed as UBC Killam Professor

UBC has announced the appointment of Dr. Marco Marra as one of three new University Killam Professors. The University Killam Professorship—the highest honour UBC can confer on a faculty member—recognizes exceptional teachers and researchers who are leaders in their fields, and who have received international recognition for their achievements.

Marco Marra

Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine & Michael Smith Laboratories

Publications

Genome-Wide Profiles of Extra-cranial Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors Reveal Heterogeneity and Dysregulated Developmental Pathways.

Cancer cell, 2016
Chun, Hye-Jung E, Lim, Emilia L, Heravi-Moussavi, Alireza, Saberi, Saeed, Mungall, Karen L, Bilenky, Mikhail, Carles, Annaick, Tse, Kane, Shlafman, Inna, Zhu, Kelsey, Qian, Jenny Q, Palmquist, Diana L, He, An, Long, William, Goya, Rodrigo, Ng, Michelle, LeBlanc, Veronique G, Pleasance, Erin, Thiessen, Nina, Wong, Tina, Chuah, Eric, Zhao, Yong-Jun, Schein, Jacquie E, Gerhard, Daniela S, Taylor, Michael D, Mungall, Andrew J, Moore, Richard A, Ma, Yussanne, Jones, Steven J M, Perlman, Elizabeth J, Hirst, Martin, Marra, Marco A

Dynamics of genomic clones in breast cancer patient xenografts at single-cell resolution.

Nature, 2015
Eirew, Peter, Steif, Adi, Khattra, Jaswinder, Ha, Gavin, Yap, Damian, Farahani, Hossein, Gelmon, Karen, Chia, Stephen, Mar, Colin, Wan, Adrian, Laks, Emma, Biele, Justina, Shumansky, Karey, Rosner, Jamie, McPherson, Andrew, Nielsen, Cydney, Roth, Andrew J L, Lefebvre, Calvin, Bashashati, Ali, de Souza, Camila, Siu, Celia, Aniba, Radhouane, Brimhall, Jazmine, Oloumi, Arusha, Osako, Tomo, Bruna, Alejandra, Sandoval, Jose L, Algara, Teresa, Greenwood, Wendy, Leung, Kaston, Cheng, Hongwei, Xue, Hui, Wang, Yuzhuo, Lin, Dong, Mungall, Andrew J, Moore, Richard, Zhao, Yongjun, Lorette, Julie, Nguyen, Long, Huntsman, David, Eaves, Connie J, Hansen, Carl, Marra, Marco A, Caldas, Carlos, Shah, Sohrab P, Aparicio, Samuel
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