Madam Chair and members of the committee, thank you for inviting me to testify before the committee.
I am speaking to you from traditional Métis territory Alberta Region 4, on Treaty 6 land.
My name is Elizabeth Nanak. I am the CEO of the Canadian Glycomics Network, which is also known as GlycoNet. Joining me today are Ms. Karimah Es Sabar, our board chair, and Dr. Warren Wakarchuk, our scientific director and lead scientist in glycomics.
As you may know, Karimah is also the chair of the ISED health and bioscience economic strategy table.
GlycoNet was created in 2015 through the networks of centres of excellence program. It is focused on glycomics research, development and innovation. We are currently one of the top three leaders in the field in the world.
Glycomics is a study of sugars in all living things, including humans, animals, viruses, bacteria and plants. The study of these sugars has enabled us to develop solutions to leading diseases in humans and animals. It has also translated into substantial health and economic outcomes. For example, five of the top 10 protein drugs on the market today are glycomics-related and have a combined annual revenue of $75 billion.
GlycoNet has mobilized over 175 research groups across Canada and 160 partners from academia and industry to advance glycomics research and commercialization. Our leadership has helped us attract and retain top talent from academia and industry, fostering research excellence and partnerships. Since 2015, this has resulted in a total investment of $90 million, equally matched by government and industry, for Canadian-led research and development.
Our partner universities have been able to attract talented researchers who now hold prominent positions including a Canadian excellence research chair.
GlycoNet has also provided training opportunities for over 550 trainees. Our graduates have populated our start-up companies and Canadian SMEs. They have continued on to work in academia and government, and have been recruited by multinational companies.
Thanks to government and industry support to date and GlycoNet's unique platform, we have been able to translate innovation to commercial outcomes and develop a new sector of the bio-economy.
Continued support will be necessary to maintain our leadership in this field and attract top talent, as Karimah will now outline.