Outlook

Systems Biology has been broadly accepted internationally as the next wave in the evolution of the biosciences. This emerging scientific field will be a key component of innovation and development in 21st century biotechnology and biomedicine. The novelty, strength and potential of Systems Biology comes from the integration of concepts and methodologies from traditionally disconnected fields. As such, Systems Biology can be viewed as an approach that expands on existing research capacity by providing researchers with new tools and strategies to address biological and medical questions of fundamental importance. The complexity of the important biological and medical problems facing our society requires interdisciplinary research and the coordinated expertise of multidisciplinary teams where biologists and clinicians are engaged in collaborative work with experts from other disciplines. The successful creation of such teams across Canada, together with the necessary support infrastructure and teaching facilities is one of the proposed program’s most important first goals and successful early outcomes.

Significant investments have already been made worldwide to develop Systems Biology in both academic and industrial contexts. The absence of support in Canada that can compare to that seen in other countries puts Canada and Canadian industries at serious risk in terms of international competitiveness. Moreover, without new operational funding for Systems Biology research, there is a real possibility that the full benefits of the substantial past investments in research capacity and technology will not be realized. These investments have placed Canada in a unique position to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Systems Biology - this is the right time, and Canada is the right place, for Systems Biology to flourish. Investments dedicated to interdisciplinary Systems Biology research and education will ensure that Canada maintains a leading role in science and technology innovation, and that Canadian bioscience and biotechnology sectors can improve and maintain competitiveness internationally.