May 25, 2018
Genome Prairie is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Simon Potter as the Chief Scientific Officer for the organization. Dr. Potter has served as Director of Manitoba for Genome Prairie, contributing his substantial experience and vision in industry engagement and project development to promote collaborations centered on regional priorities.
“The Genome Prairie team is heading into a time with unprecedented opportunities for the genomics enterprise across the prairie region,” said Dr. Potter. His new role will help foster new and current relationships amongst a diverse group of stakeholders, including academia, federal and provincial governments, and industry. “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 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. He previously held the position of Director at the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance and became Vice President of Product Innovation at the Composites Innovation Centre in 2009. Dr. Potter will continue in his role as Adjunct Professor of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba.
“Dr. Potter has a solid track record in the development and management of genomics research projects with national and international scope,” said Dr. Reno Pontarollo, President and Chief Executive Officer, Genome Prairie. “In his previous role, Simon has demonstrated his leadership ability, leveraging his past experience and skills to add value to each initiative. We are delighted to announce this promotion and look forward to his continued contributions in enhancing the impact of genomics on the region’s economy.”
Dr. Potter will be based in Winnipeg and will work in close collaboration with stakeholders from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Canadian Genomics Enterprise.
About Genome Prairie
Genome Prairie, a non-profit organization, with offices in Winnipeg and Saskatoon, aligns partners and resources to develop and manage genomics and bioscience research projects addressing key regional priorities including 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.
