The process by which that is done is called bioinformatics. McGill is in a very good position to establish itself in this area. We have one of the best faculties of medicine in the world. He says industry, particularly the pharmaceutical industry, has a strong interest in bioinformatics as well. More precise data about the way the human body functions at the micro-level leads to more effective drug therapies.
Drug companies are a potential deep-pocketed ally.
Industry isn't the only potential source of funding. Planning for the centre began in earnest last fall when Associate Dean of Medicine Robert Mackenzie invited about 20 McGill researchers to discuss what the University should do in regard to bioinformatics. The meeting resulted in the formation of an ad hoc committee headed by biomedical engineering professor Rob Kearney. A draft proposal for a new centre was placed on the web in late December. This field doesn't belong to medicine.