A conversation between Diksha Srivastava (Genomics England), Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, Koko Agborsangaya and Dr. Wesley Oakes from Genome Canada
For the second session of our Genomic Equity Series, we are delighted to host our colleagues from Genome Canada. The fields of genetics and genomics have made previously unthinkable progress over the last two decades. We have shifted from mapping the human genome to sequencing individual genomes for a mere fraction of the cost, and at record speed. During this time of rapid discovery, the Canadian Genomics Enterprise—a unique investment model comprising Genome Canada and six independent regional Genome Centres—has been a driver of impact-focused investments in health, agriculture, natural resources and environmental sustainability. In this talk, Genome Canada will share their on ongoing efforts to cultivate a research ecosystem and organization that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), as well as collaborative initiatives to elevate Indigenous genomics leadership in Canada. Recognising that not enough has been done, and that there is momentum to do more, the talk will spotlight challenges and opportunities in the journey to build a Canadian genomics future that is by design inclusive and anti-racist.
Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa is Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Director of the Canadian
COVID-19 Genomics Network
(CanCOGeN) at Genome Canada. Dr. Lopez-Correa holds a Medical degree from the UPB in Colombia, a Master’s degree in Human Genetics from Paris V University in France, and a PhD in Medical Biosciences from the KULeuven in Belgium.
Koko Bate Agborsangaya is the Program Director, Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN) at Genome Canada. Mrs. Agborsangaya holds an M.Sc. in immunology from the University of Manitoba and a B.Sc. in zoology/chemistry from Brandon University.
Dr. Wesley Oakes is Director, Equity and Indigenous Engagement at Genome Canada. Dr. Oakes holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from York University, an MPhil from SOAS University of London, and a BA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Diksha Srivastava is our Implementation Lead for Finance and Performance, here at Genomics England. She studied Health Sciences and Health Studies at Western University and has a Master of Science degree in Public Health from the University of London.