Synthetic Microbial Genomes @ Western [SynGenMicrobes@Western]

Participating Faculties: Faculty of Science (host), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

Project Leaders:
Kathleen Hill, Department of Biology
David Edgell, Department of Biochemistry
Bogumil Karas, Department of Biochemistry
Vava Grbic, Department of Biology

Total Project Funding: $150,000

Funding Period: 3 years

Abstract:

The 'Synthetic Microbial Genomes @ Western' initiative [SynGenMicrobes@Western] will create an interdisciplinary program to foster research innovation, technology transfer, education and training in the design and assembly of synthetic genomes and organisms with applications in agriculture and antimicrobial agents. This initiative builds upon existing research and teaching expertise in the Faculties of Science and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in designer microbial genomes (Karas), genome editing (Edgell), agricultural genomics (Grbic) and impact of altered genomes (Hill).  Western’s unique stake in the field of synthetic biology is the de novo synthesis, assembly and installation of novel microbial and organelle genomes for two defined end uses: (i) agricultural food security and (ii) antimicrobial agents. Synthetic biology is a burgeoning field of interdisciplinary research that combines techniques and expertise from biology, biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, engineering, and computational biology. Synthetic biology has transformed biological research such that it is now possible to build genomes from the ground up and to edit existing genomes on a scale not previously imagined.


This initiative arises from the successful grassroots collective momentum from students and faculty engaged in synthetic biology research at Western. To accelerate current synthetic biology research and HQP training, the SynGenMicrobes@Western will create a Synthetic Biology Facility to provide cost-effective and reliable synthetic biology services, transforming existing research programs and promoting new interdisciplinary initiatives. We will recruit and retain high-quality postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate students by providing scholarship support and research opportunities through the Western Synthetic Biology Honors Specialization Program and the Synthetic Biology Facility. Excellence in synthetic biology research at Western will be communicated through an enhanced publication portfolio, the highly successful annual Synthetic Biology Symposium, and the monthly Seminar Series.
The overarching goal of SynGenMicrobes@Western is to provide a cohesive training environment for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees that will impart technological and communication skills to promote career preparedness for employment in industries such as biotechnology, human health, agriculture, and food production that are being transformed by the emergence of synthetic biology.

The 'Synthetic Microbial Genomes @ Western' initiative [SynGenMicrobes@Western] will create an interdisciplinary program to foster research innovation, technology transfer, education and training in the design and assembly of synthetic genomes and organisms with applications in agriculture and antimicrobial agents. This initiative builds upon existing research and teaching expertise in the Faculties of Science and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in designer microbial genomes (Karas), genome editing (Edgell), agricultural genomics (Grbic) and impact of altered genomes (Hill).  Western’s unique stake in the field of synthetic biology is the de novo synthesis, assembly and installation of novel microbial and organelle genomes for two defined end uses: (i) agricultural food security and (ii) antimicrobial agents. Synthetic biology is a burgeoning field of interdisciplinary research that combines techniques and expertise from biology, biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, engineering, and computational biology. Synthetic biology has transformed biological research such that it is now possible to build genomes from the ground up and to edit existing genomes on a scale not previously imagined.

This initiative arises from the successful grassroots collective momentum from students and faculty engaged in synthetic biology research at Western. To accelerate current synthetic biology research and HQP training, the SynGenMicrobes@Western will create a Synthetic Biology Facility to provide cost-effective and reliable synthetic biology services, transforming existing research programs and promoting new interdisciplinary initiatives. We will recruit and retain high-quality postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate students by providing scholarship support and research opportunities through the Western Synthetic Biology Honors Specialization Program and the Synthetic Biology Facility. Excellence in synthetic biology research at Western will be communicated through an enhanced publication portfolio, the highly successful annual Synthetic Biology Symposium, and the monthly Seminar Series.

The overarching goal of SynGenMicrobes@Western is to provide a cohesive training environment for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees that will impart technological and communication skills to promote career preparedness for employment in industries such as biotechnology, human health, agriculture, and food production that are being transformed by the emergence of synthetic biology.