University of Calgary and the O'Brien Centre for the BHSc

We graciously thank the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education for all their support.

The O' Brien Centre for the Health Sciences is a part of the University of Calgary, located in the Foothills Hospital. It is responsible for providing iGEM team with lab space as well as funding. The O’Brien Centre was founded in part by a generous $5-million donation by David and Gail O’ Brien, after whom the Centre was named. David O'Brien has been a member of the University's Board of Governors, while Gail O'Brien has chaired the Faculty of Medicine's Dean's Advisory Council. The O’Brien Centre is the hub of top-notch research, interdisciplinary research, and education. It is responsible for providing approximately $9-million/year for researchers. The 2010 iGEM team thanks O’Brien center for its generous contribution of the O’ Brien Centre Summer Studentship as well as lab space this year.

Alberta Innovates Technology Futures

Alberta Innovates Technology Futures facilitates the growth of technical industries by supporting quality research in Alberta's particular fields of expertise. These include nanotechnology, information communication technology, and genomics. AITF works in joint effort with entrepreneurs and researchers to ensure that Alberta’s technologies can be sustained at a business level through commercialization and growth. This is accomplished by ensuring that useful products, protocols and services are delivered to meet global demands.

OSLI/OSRIN

The Oil Sands Leadership Initiative (OSLI) and the Oil Sands Research and Information Network (OSRIN) are graciously supporting iGEM this year. OSLI is a collaborative network between Nexen Inc., ConocoPhillips Canada, Statoil Canada, Suncor Energy Inc., and Total E&P Canada. OSLI strives to improve the reputation of the oil sands and lead the industry to responsible development of Alberta's bitumen resources.

OSRIN is an independent organization within the School of Energy and Environment at the University of Alberta. OSRIN compiles, interprets, analyses, and communicates data to and from mining oil sands and the area surrounding them. The organization strives for a future where Alberta can benefit economically from oil sands development without harming the environment.

VWR

VWR International is one of the world leaders in the distribution of laboratory materials. There are currently over 250 000 customers in North America and Europe, which is quite large for a biotechnology distributor. They are based in West Chester, Pennsylvania and specialize in the supply of chemicals, equipment, instruments, lab apparel, and lab furniture. They have many offices based worldwide from Northern Ireland to Switzerland and even one based in Singapore. The unique guarantee that they offer is the shipping of ordered material within 24 hours, due to large quantities of stock and many distribution offices in various countries. They have been a significant sponsor of our iGEM team in the past and we appreciate their contribution to our team this year.

New England Biolabs

For over 30 years, New England Biolabs has led the industry in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications. At NEB, enzyme production is linked to basic research in the cloning and overexpression of restriction/modification systems. Their focus on providing the largest selection of recombinant enzymes has resulted in lower dollar-per-unit costs and improved purity and consistency of product. Presently, NEB supplies more than 240 restriction enzymes, over 160 of which are available in recombinant form, as well as numerous recombinant DNA and protein modifying enzymes.

Nexen

Nexen is an global energy company based out of Canada with international offices in Scotland, Canada, and the United States of America. They specialize in extracting from oil sands, conventional development, and unconventional gas. Originally formed in 1971, Nexen has grown steadily, increasing their oil production by 240% and their revenue by approximately 20 times since their establishment. One of the aspects they pride themselves on is the integrity which they deal with both internally and externally. They deal successfully with employees through strict safety regulations and are still successfully expanding, having recently found oil reserves in the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, and western Africa.

Sigma-Aldrich

Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Our chemical and biochemical products and kits are used in scientific research, including genomic and proteomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components in pharmaceutical, diagnostic and other high technology manufacturing. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 40 countries and has 7,600 employees providing excellent service worldwide. Sigma-Aldrich is commited to Accelerating Customers' Success through Innovation and Leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service.

Sarstedt

The Sarstedt Group develops, manufactures and sells equipment and consumables in the field of medicine and research. Ever since it was set up in 1961, the company has continued to grow to the point where it now employs a workforce of 2,500. They produce consumables and analytical equipment for medical diagnostics and consumables for use in medical patient care as well as for research laboratories and also for environmental analytical work. The Sarstedt group manufactures their own products at their own production sites as well as develops concepts and finished products in their own R&D centre.

Medicine Hat College

Medicine Hat College (MHC) is a public, board governed, comprehensive community college serving a large region of southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. The MHC is located in the city of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. MHC has been serving students in southeastern Alberta and beyond since 1965. MHC’s main campus services almost 2,500 students each year with another 200 attending Brooks Campus, located 100 km west of Medicine Hat. Currently, more than 30 diplomas and certificates are offered along with 25 university transfer programs. There are also several opportunities for degree completion at MHC including nursing, applied arts, and social work. A partnership with the University of Calgary makes it possible for nursing students to complete a full bachelor’s degree at Medicine Hat College while graduates from diploma programs such as Police and Security may also complete degrees. Medicine Hat College offers other unique diploma programs such as Addictions Counselor, Technical Illustrator, Paramedic, and Deaf and Blind Support Specialist. New applied degrees are also offered in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership and Visual Communications.