November 5, 2015
Winnipeg, MB – Genome Prairie is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Simon Potter as Director of Operations at its Winnipeg office to provide leadership in industry engagement and project development efforts to promote collaborations centred on regional priorities. His focus will include developing and strengthening partnerships with new and existing stakeholders, overseeing Manitoba-based participation in Genome Canada-related programs, facilitating the development of new projects, and supporting awarded projects. “This is a very exciting time to join the Genome Prairie team with unprecedented opportunities and challenges ahead for the genomics enterprise across the prairie region,” said Dr. Potter. “I very much look forward to building on Genome Prairie’s great work to date increasing the significance, sustainability and impact of the world-leading genomics work on-going in the region.”
Dr. Simon Potter has a global reputation as an expert in the area of biomaterials design and processing. He holds a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has held senior research positions at the University of British Columbia, FP Innovations and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia where he managed an $11 million research program in forest biomaterials. In 2009 he became Vice President of Product Innovation at the Composites Innovation Centre. Dr. Potter will continue in his roles as Adjunct Professor of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba and as Director at the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance.
“We are pleased to welcome Simon to our team to fill an important operations role in Winnipeg,” said Dr. Reno Pontarollo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genome Prairie. “His extensive knowledge of the scope of genomics research and opportunities in Manitoba will help our organization develop and foster partnerships with the local bioscience community and strengthen our capacity to establish new projects and significant initiatives.” Dr. Potter’s role will help foster relationships amongst a diverse group of stakeholders, including academia, federal and provincial governments, and industry.
Genome Prairie, a non-profit-organization, aligns partners and resources to develop and manage research projects addressing key regional priorities such as agriculture, human health, the environment, energy and mining. These efforts are playing a central role in building the region’s reputation as a location of choice for innovation and commercialization.
