EDMONTON, AB (November 30, 2020) – The Board of Directors of the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet) has announced the appointment of Dr. Warren Wakarchuk as the Scientific Director, effective immediately. As the Scientific Director, Dr. Wakarchuk will be responsible for leading GlycoNet’s overall work in relations to scientific strategy and direction with a particular focus on research, innovation, commercialization, and the Network’s global leadership in glycoscience.

“On behalf of GlycoNet’s Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Wakarchuk as the new Scientific Director. A highly respected researcher and accomplished leader, Warren’s proficiencies, experience and perspective will be of great value to GlycoNet as we continue to develop next-generation health solutions for cancer, chronic illnesses, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases,” says Ms. Karimah Es Sabar, Board Chair of GlycoNet.

Following the announcement, Dr. Todd Lowary, will remain on the Board as the Immediate Past Scientific Director.

“Our team is excited to work with Warren in his new role to further strengthen Canada’s innovation pipeline through our knowledge and expertise in glycomics,” says Dr. Elizabeth Nanak, CEO of GlycoNet. “I would also like to thank Todd for his leadership over the past five years, from the inception of GlycoNet to a successful renewal of its funding by the Networks of Centres of Excellence in 2020. During Todd’s tenure, GlycoNet has evolved to become a recognized international leader in glycomics research and innovation.”

Dr. Warren Wakarchuk has over 25 years of experience in scientific research excellence in both the academia and government. Before moving into academia, he was a Research Officer at the National Research Council for 19 years, where he stewarded interdisciplinary projects to develop carbohydrate-active enzymes for various therapeutic applications. In 2012, he took a position as Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at Ryerson University. He served as the Associate Scientific Director of GlycoNet since 2018 and relocated his lab to the University of Alberta in 2019. Dr. Wakarchuk has extensive experience with industry collaborations on multiple projects in his lab. He has 127 publications and holds over 30 patents. Dr. Wakarchuk received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia.

“I am honoured and grateful to the Board for the opportunity to lead GlycoNet, a truly remarkable organization,” says Dr. Wakarchuk. “GlycoNet is an essential element in powering innovations, talent creation, and economic growth for Canada. I look forward to building on these successes with GlycoNet’s exceptional team.”

About GlycoNet
GlycoNet is advancing research, innovation, and training in glycomics to improve the quality of life of Canadians. GlycoNet is a one-stop global destination focused on developing new carbohydrate-based drugs, vaccines and diagnostics, in collaboration with academic and industry organizations to address areas of unmet need through applied glycomics research. Funded by the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program and a range of partners, the network includes over 150 researchers across Canada who focus on cancer, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. This national platform supports translational research, protection of intellectual property, novel drug development, company formation and training.

Media Contact
Ali Chou
Communications Associate
ychou@glyconet.ca
780-231-5181