The Omics and Precision Analytics Laboratory in the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan provides genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics services to researchers. (Photo: GIFS)
The Omics and Precision Analytics Laboratory in the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan provides genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics services to researchers. (Photo: GIFS)

Global Institute for Food Security at USask becomes Canada’s first Revio PacBio Certified Service Provider

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has joined an elite group of global service providers that offer researchers access to specialized equipment and scientific expertise in genetic sequencing.

Powered by leading-edge technologies and a world-class team in its Omics and Precision Analytics Laboratory (OPAL), GIFS is now the first Revio PacBio Certified Service Provider in Canada.  

The designation recognizes GIFS as a trusted source for high-quality sequencing and data generation utilizing PacBio’s sequencing technology.

“The Global Institute for Food Security’s world-class technology platforms help researchers and organizations to scale and accelerate their research and development. As a PacBio Certified Service Provider, our partners know they can depend on GIFS to deliver high-quality, HiFi data to advance their projects,” said GIFS CEO Dr. Steven Webb (PhD).  

“Today, GIFS’ Omics and Precision Analytics Laboratory uses high-throughput automated workflows to help our partners get the most from PacBio’s long-read sequencing technologies. The sequencing results we deliver are supported by GIFS’ automated bioinformatics and visualizations pipelines, ensuring our partners receive both high-quality data and critical analysis that can help them to discover, develop, and deliver.” 

Committed to innovation

The Omics and Precision Analytics Laboratory in the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan provides genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics services to researchers. (Photo: GIFS)
GIFS was one of the first service providers in Canada equipped with PacBio’s Revio sequencing system, which is capable of sequencing up to 15 times more genomic data per day than its previous technology. (Photo: GIFS)

Since 2021, GIFS has provided genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics services via OPAL.

In 2023, GIFS became one of the first service providers in Canada to offer automated library preparation and genomic analyses using Revio, PacBio’s latest long-read sequencing technology.

The resulting HiFi data is supporting a wide range of large-scale genomic projects that are advancing innovation in the agri-food sector and beyond.   

“USask and GIFS are at the forefront of genomic innovation with the introduction of PacBio’s Revio sequencing system,” said USask Vice-President, Research, Baljit Singh.

“With the addition of this technology, our researchers can make significant advancements in the agri-food sector and beyond. This announcement underscores our dedication to support impact-driven research and foster innovation for the people of Saskatchewan and the world.”

To obtain its status as a PacBio Certified Service Provider, GIFS underwent a rigorous evaluation process through which it demonstrated its capabilities and expertise to conduct complex genome assemblies, transcriptomics, epigenetics, and more.

“Canada is home to a dynamic genomics research community that plays a key role in addressing global challenges such as food security, agricultural sustainability, and precision health,” said James Hudson, senior director of AMR Sales at PacBio. “We are proud to welcome GIFS as Canada’s first Revio PacBio Certified Service Provider. This certification provides Canadian researchers access to PacBio’s highly accurate HiFi sequencing technology through a trusted partner, enabling them to generate critical insights with exceptional precision and quality.” 

For more on GIFS and the genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics services it provides, see gifs.ca/partners.