$2.3 million investment in BC glycomics research catalyzes solutions for unmet health needs

12 December 2024

Researchers from top left to right: Sarah Hedtrich, James Kronstad, Karla Williams, Harry Brumer, Anna Blakney, Calvin Roskelley.

Michael Smith Health Research BC has joined forces with GlycoNet, a global leader in glycomics research and innovation, to tackle critical health challenges through the study of biological sugars.

Glycomics is the study of complex sugars (glycans) in living things. Unlike sugars we consume in our diet, glycans are complex sugars that coat the surface of cells. They’re essential for a wide range of biological processes in humans, animals, plants and even viruses and bacteria.

GlycoNet is at the forefront of understanding the roles of glycans in health and disease. Through a $12 million investment, GlycoNet and partner organizations are funding 21 glycomics research teams across Canada to expand our knowledge of glycans and develop new tools, drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to address unsolved health challenges.

Health Research BC is providing matched funding to support six BC-based teams. These teams are leading projects on topics such as vaccine responses and treatments for cancer, infectious diseases, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic skin conditions. Together with GlycoNet, we’re bringing $2.3 million into British Columbia.

“Our matched funding investment is enabling glycomics researchers in BC to address some of today’s most pressing health challenges,” says Bev Holmes, President and CEO, Health Research BC. “Our collaboration with GlycoNet opens more doors for researchers to bring complex science to life, creating new treatments and solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of people in our province and across the country.”

“Partnership is central to GlycoNet’s mission of advancing glycomics research and driving health innovation,” says Elizabeth Nanak, CEO, GlycoNet. “Support from partners like Michael Smith Health Research BC enhances our capacity to transform groundbreaking discoveries into practical tools and therapies, ultimately benefiting communities across Canada.”

Learn more about the six BC-based teams.

Read GlycoNet’s funding announcement.

Match funding

Health Research BC’s match funding program helps BC-based researchers who are applying to non-BC government funded competitions that require applicants to source match funding as a condition of their application. This program increases the ability of BC researchers to compete nationally and internationally for funding, grow their programs of research and attract research dollars from outside BC. Learn more about our match funding program.