News release

For Immediate Release
February 14, 2008

ONTARIO RESEARCHERS UNCOVERING THE BARCODES OF LIFE

McGuinty Government Supporting Internationally Acclaimed Biodiversity Project

GUELPH — Preserving and protecting global biodiversity is the goal of an international research initiative led by Ontario researchers who are using a unique barcode method to catalogue DNA records of the world’s living plant and animal species. 

The McGuinty government is investing $5 million in the research initiative – called the International Barcode of Life Project. The investment will enable researchers at the University of Guelphto work with over 100 researchers from 25 countries to create the world’s largest reference library of DNA samples – consisting of 500,000 species. 

Currently, scientists rely on bulky instruments to conduct time-consuming DNA sampling. Ontario researchers are developing a groundbreaking technology that will lead to faster DNA identification by simply scanning a specimen with a hand-held device. 

In addition to creating an unprecedented body of scientific knowledge to help preserve and protect the world’s biodiversity, there are many additional commercial applications for this technology such as helping to reduce the threat of global epidemics. By simply scanning DNA, scientists will be able to quickly identify if a bird is carrying an infectious disease such as avian flu. 

Ontario’s investment in the project comes from the McGuinty government’s Fall Economic Statement  – a $3 billion plan to enhance Ontario’s global competitiveness and create the next generation of economic growth.

“By supporting world-class research, we are attracting the best and brightest research talent to our province and ensuring that cutting-edge discoveries are made right here in Ontario,” said Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson . “This world-renowned research project is enhancing Ontario’s global reputation as a beacon for research and innovation, while at the same time helping to lay a foundation for future jobs and economic prosperity.”

“The University of Guelph’s Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding is an international hub and global leader in this area of scientific expertise,” said MPP for Guelph, Liz Sandals . “And because it offers health, science and economic benefits for Guelph – and all of Ontario – the opportunities for commercialization and future job growth in this area are very exciting.”

“The potential applications for this technology are broad, touching every aspect of our lives,” said Paul Hebert, Director of the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at the University of Guelph and the founder of DNA barcoding. “There will be economic benefits linked to the prevention of crop devastation because of better surveillance of pests. Barcoding will also protect human health by advancing our capacity to identify disease organisms and their transmission pathways. As well, barcoding will help protect biodiversity at a time when it is threatened by climate change.”

“The University of Guelph has a world-wide reputation for its breakthroughs in its DNA barcoding project,” said Alastair Summerlee, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guelph. "Today’s announcement will send a strong signal to researchers at major institutions around the world that Ontario is home to incredible research infrastructure and a government that supports its scientists and their tremendously valuable work.”

Learn more about the International Strategic Opportunities Program

Read about the web-base Barcode of Life Data Systems

Learn about invading species in Ontario

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