2020 INDUCTEE Marco Marra, PhD Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Cancer, Health and Medical Education & Training
June 30, 1966
(Berwyn, Alberta)
PhD, Simon Fraser University (1994)
2025: Killam Prize in Health Sciences
2024: Officers of the Order of Canada (O.C.)
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2025: Killam Prize in Health Sciences
2024: Officers of the Order of Canada (O.C.)
2019: Don Rix Award for Lifetime Achievement, LifeSciences BC
2017: Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research Award, Canadian Cancer Research Alliance
2015: Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Prize in Cancer Research, University of British Columbia
2010: Order of British Columbia
2009: Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
2007: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
2005: Honorary LLD, University of Calgary
2004: Honorary DSc, Simon Fraser University
Mapped the human genome
An Innovative Leader at the Boundaries of Scientific Research
One of the largest collaborative scientific projects in history was the international Human Genome Project (HGP). Among the project’s participants was the distinguished Canadian scientist Dr. Marco Marra, now Head of the Department of Medical Genetics at The University of British Columbia and Director of Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Science Centre (GSC) at BC Cancer. In their push towards personalized medicine informed by expanding resources of whole genome analyses, Dr. Marra and his colleagues are fully realizing the staggering promise of vastly expanded genomic information first achieved by the HGP. The necessity of routinely decoding cancer for both research and clinical care, and thus discovering individualized treatments and even cures, is being furthered by Dr. Marra and the GSC in the global fight against cancer.
Key Facts
Listed as one of the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds by Thomas Reuters and Clarivate Analytic from 2014 to 2018
Is one of the world’s most cited scientists in the field of molecular biology & genetics
Authored more than 400 scientific publications and translated his research for public outreach
Co-founded the first genome centre within a cancer hospital
Uncovered new cancer mutations and therapeutic targets
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Marra is still very active in his career and will continue to extend the reach of the genome sciences in studying, managing and eradicating disease. As two in five people will develop cancer in their lifetime, the work of the Personalized Oncogenomics (POG) project offers hope to millions that treatments of advanced cancers will be found. In addition, Dr. Marra himself has mentored many scientists and graduate students who are now providing the expertise and insight needed to continue and fulfill the promise of the genomic revolution through technological innovation, enhanced informatics and creative clinical applications.
2025
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Marco Marra inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Virtual Ceremony (originally scheduled to be in Vancouver BC)
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The Personalized Oncogenomics (POG) project at BC Cancer was established under Marco Marra’s leadership
Cells, Genetics & Genomics, CancerThe project represents one of the first applications of whole genome sequencing in a clinical setting, using information derived from thousands of individual cancer genomes and transcriptomes to identify promising therapeutic targets in individual patients, thus influencing the management of their disease.
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Marco Marra and his team became the first to publish a genomic study of breast cancer and its metastasis
Cancer, Cells, Genetics & GenomicsPublished in "Nature", the study represented Marra’s efforts to apply the knowledge of genomic science to topical problems in cancer research.
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At the height of the SARS outbreak Marco Marra and his team of researchers successfully sequenced the SARS coronavirus, providing a basis for both vaccine development and diagnostic testing
Cells, Genetics & GenomicsThe SARS experience demonstrated the power of genome sciences to reveal critically important molecular disease features.
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Became an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia
Health and Medical Education & TrainingWhile at UBC, he co-founded and co-directed the Genome Science and Technology Graduate Program.
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A great mentor, Michael Smith hand-picked Marco Marra to succeed him as Director of the GSC
Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentUnder Marco Marra’s leadership, the Centre expanded and now has more than 280 scientists, trainees and staff.
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Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Smith and Dr. Victor Ling established the Genome Sciences Centre in Vancouver
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentMarco Marra returned to Canada to become head of the Centre’s mapping and sequencing team.
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Completed his PhD in Genetics at Simon Fraser University
He then spent the next five years at Washington University School of Medicine as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and became involved with the work of the Human Genome Project.
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The Human Genome Project began
Cells, Genetics & GenomicsThe massive and unprecedented scale of genomic data provided by the HGP has since revolutionized our understanding of disease biology ranging from cancer to cognitive impairment.
1990
Dr. Marra is an example of Canadian medical innovation at its best.
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