GIFS laboratory at USask brings latest sequencing technology to Western Canada

The Omics and Precision Agriculture Laboratory at the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan is a premier platform for omics technology, providing genomics, phenomics and informatics services to a broad range of clients.

World-class talent and sequencing technology at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is enabling researchers in agriculture and other disciplines to more quickly — and cost effectively — explore the genomes of plants, animals, and microbes.

GIFS’ Omics and Precision Agriculture Laboratory (OPAL) is the first lab in Western Canada to offer genomics analyses services using PacBio’s new Revio DNA sequencer, the highest-capacity instrument the manufacturer has produced.

The addition of Revio and other investments in high-throughput infrastructure and automation have significantly expanded OPAL’s scale and efficiency, increasing its ability to provide high-quality, lower-cost services. These at-scale analytics will help accelerate research in the agriculture, food, and health fields.

“At GIFS, we are committed to accelerating research, development, and commercialization within agri-food and providing impactful services that enhance the entire innovation ecosystem. Our investments in PacBio’s Revio system and other advanced sequencing instruments are bringing leading-edge technologies to Saskatchewan and Western Canada and supporting our research community’s position at the forefront of discovery,” said Steve Webb, chief executive officer of GIFS.

“OPAL’s capacity and complete suite of long- and short-read DNA sequencing technology is unique in Canada and comparable to large national laboratories in the United States. With these tools, our team of experts are providing high-quality data to help advance the discovery, development, and delivery of new innovations within agri-food and other industries.”