Dr. Marco Marra, Terry Fox Leader in Cancer Genome Science, appointed Officer of the Order of Canada

It is with heartfelt congratulations that we share that Dr. Marco Marra has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.). 

This honour, bestowed upon over 7,600 Canadians since its creation in 1967, recognizes individuals who “make extraordinary contributions to the nation… their grit and passion inspire us, teach us and show us the way forward.” As the motto of the Order states: “DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (they desire a better country).”

Cited in the announcement shared by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, on December 18, 2024, Dr. Marco Marra (Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Medical Genetics, Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre) was appointed to the Order for how he “propelled Canada to the forefront of genome research. A world-renowned scientist, he led large-scale initiatives and groundbreaking work in sequencing the SARS coronavirus genome, and highlighted the underlying causes of cancers and new treatment strategies. Formerly Director of Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, he continues the global fight against cancer.”

Dr. Marra’s work focuses on studying genomic data to reveal information about diseases, with a particular focus on revealing mutations, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for various types of cancer. This work includes a program focused on whole genome and transcriptome analysis towards personalizing cancer genome medicine. This program, which Dr. Marra has co-led for over 12 years, opens doors to more effective treatments that target the specific cancer cells within a patient’s tumour.

Reflecting on the significance of his appointment to the field of genome research, Dr. Marra says, “to have genome science and cancer genomics recognized by our country in this way is uplifting and is an important reminder that we must continue to forge ahead, particularly in the area of precision cancer genomic medicine, where many across our nation have been working tirelessly to bring the benefits of cancer genomics to cancer patients and their families. 

Dr. Marra holds a BSc and PhD from Simon Fraser University, and also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in St. Louis where he led work on the Human Genome Project. He was recruited back to Vancouver by Dr. Michael Smith, where he went on to co-found and direct Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer for over two decades, co-found and co-direct our Genome Sciences and Technology Graduate Program, and serve as a founding member of the UBC Bioinformatics program. 

Formerly Head of the Department of Medical Genetics, where he remains a professor in addition to the Michael Smith Laboratories, and current Terry Fox Leader in Cancer Genome Science, Dr. Marra has long remained a leader in BC and Canada’s genomics research, education and training spaces.

“Receiving the news, I was quite overcome with emotion. To be recognized by my country is the honour of a lifetime,” shares Dr. Marra on his appointment. “I am extremely fortunate to have many wonderful colleagues and supporters who have enriched my science over the years, and we all recognize that together we have moved our field forward in ways we could never have imagined. Even so, there remains much to do!”

Dr. Marra’s research has made a huge impact on the field of genomics, and holds the promise of greater impact still to come. We’re excited to be home to such an outstanding leader and researcher, and extend our congratulations once more on his well-deserved appointment to the Order of Canada.

“The Terry Fox Research Institute has relied on Dr. Marra’s vast expertise in cancer genomic science to guide our efforts to eradicate cancer, most recently with the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network,” says Dr. Jim Woodgett, President and Scientific Director of the Terry Fox Research Institute. “Our Founding President, Dr. Victor Ling, helped recruit Marco back to Canada over 25 years ago and Canadian’s have benefitted from his knowledge ever since. We’re delighted he has been recognized by this wonderful honour.”

A total of 88 individuals were appointed to the Order of Canada this year, including Canadian actor and Terry Fox supporter Ryan Reynolds and former Terry Fox-funded Montreal pediatric neuro-oncology researcher Dr. Nada Jabado.

A version of this article originally appeared on the UBC Michael Smith Laboratories website.