Our Facilities

This globally-recognized 50,000ft2 research facility is proudly located within the vibrant University of Guelph campus

World-Class Facilities

The Centre for Biodiversity Genomics is based in a 50,000ft2 research facility that was constructed in two phases with $30M from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, and Genome Canada. It spans two buildings. The newest building, which opened in 2012, houses the Collections, the DNA Archive, and the Data Centre, as well as research and administration offices. The original building, completed in 2007, contains the Genomics facilities, research labs, and meeting spaces.

First Activated
in Canada

Sequel II DNA sequencer was activated at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics in 2019

Automated Imaging

Advanced photography systems generate 2M high resolution images per year

Advanced DNA Sequencing

Our sequencing facility offers the latest in DNA barcoding technology, research, and innovation

Preserving Biodiversity

The natural history archives built and maintained by our expert staff is comprised of 8.6M digitized specimens

Preserving
DNA

Safely preserved in 20 ultra-low temperature freezers, our DNA archive of  over 250K species is the largest of its kind in the world

Bioinformatics Support

Our systems are built upon a state-of-the-art data centre that hosts more than 1250 processors and 325 terabytes of storage

Expanding knowledge of life on our planet