Génome Québec welcomes three new board members

MONTREAL, June 19, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Chairman of the Board Martin Godbout is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Génome Québec board of directors, following the organization's annual general meeting held yesterday in Montréal.

Christiane Ayotte is Professor and Director at the Doping Control Laboratory of the INRS-Institut Armand Frappier. A chemist by training, she is known for her breakthrough research on the screening of doping substances. Along with her team, she has developed screening methods to detect anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. She also serves as a scientific expert on several committees and forums, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission.

Egidio Nascimento is Chief Financial Officer at Variation Biotechnologies Inc. During his career, he has held several high-level finance positions for leading companies. From 2002 to 2006, he also served as VP of Finance for Genome Canada, where he gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the fields of biotechnology and genomics.

Jacques Simoneau is President and CEO and a board member at Gestion Univalor. An engineer by trade, he currently sits on the board of several companies. He began his career as a professor and scientist and went on to gain solid expertise in venture capital and investments through management positions with the Solidarity Fund QLF and the Business Development Bank of Canada.

In the current global environment marked by rapid change and fierce competition, Québec must rank among the best and position itself as a leader in science and innovation, according to Mr. Godbout. He went on to add: "We are extremely proud and fortunate to welcome new board members with such impressive track records. Our organization will be greatly served by the international, scientific, commercial and financial expertise and counsel of these seasoned advisors."

The Chairman also bid farewell to two outgoing board members, Monique Letourneau and Raymond Langlois, and thanked them for their outstanding contribution over the last two years, particularly in support of the sound management of Génome Québec's finances and investments.

About Génome Québec

Since May 2000, Génome Québec has been the driving force behind the development of genomics in Québec. By supporting over 80 projects and 800 researchers and managing the operations of the McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, Génome Québec is helping to accelerate the discovery of new applications for genomics in strategic areas, such as human health, forestry and the environment.

The funds invested by Génome Québec are provided by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Government of Canada, through Genome Canada, and private partners.

For more information, visit www.genomequebec.com.

SOURCE: Génome Québec

Éva Kammer
Public Relations Officer
Génome Québec
514 398-0668, ext. 206
[email protected]