Program Objectives

Molecular microbiology is going through a paradigm shift with new technologies allowing detailed studies of the microorganisms within complex interacting communities, or “microbiomes”, which are uniquely adapted to a specific system. This is all possible due to the development of large-scale meta-omics technologies, and increased computational power coupled with bioinformatics approaches to better analyze and understand these big datasets. Moreover, the paradigm shift not only applies to the study of microorganisms in the microbiome, but also on how to intervene in the microbiome to affect individual and groups of microorganisms, or even their environment or host.

The CREATE-TECHNOMISE program offers an integrated and multidisciplinary approach for in-depth training in microbiome meta-omics, meta-bioinformatics and high-throughput functional microbiome assays with focused application in water treatment and human microbiome issues relevant to Canada.

In addition, the trainees will combine their comprehensive knowledge of the omics technologies with professional skills acquired through the program, to prepare them for leading roles in industry, academia, government or pharmaceutical organizations.

The central goal of the CREATE-TECHNOMISE program is to train the next generation of industry and scientific leaders in the growing field of microbiome research.

Program Overview

The science aspect of the program is based on an intensive summer boot camp on basic common omics technologies followed by a choice of advanced modular rotations in academia, Canadian industries and leading international centers. CREATE-TECHNOMISE also provides extensive training in professional development, entrepreneurship, science communication and promotes the establishment of industrial networking between our trainees and industrial partners.
Microbes and Biotechnology Summer Boot Camp and Symposium

The science aspect of our program is covered by a one week Summer boot camp in Microbes and Biotechnology taught by a team of collaborators (academic principals investigators and invited industrials and international collaborators) and offered every two years. This course covers the basics of different microbiomes and the new technologies being developed for their in-depth analysis including metagenomics, metaproteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, handling large microbiomes datasets, and high-throughput methods for microbiomes assays.

The one-week summer boot camp closes with a scientific symposium with invited speakers, student presentations and posters. This symposium is an exceptional opportunity for trainees to be exposed to diverse microbiome research and network with industry.

Advanced Science Communication Course

This blended course on modern science communication, with both online and lecture modules, covers scientific and lay writing, e-tools for networking and professional footprint, presentation skills, and the use of social media for science communication.

Professional skills boot camp

Presented every two years, alternating with the Microbes and Biotechnology summer camp, our four days professional skills boot camp offers progressive career development to students and postdocs participating in the program.  The professional skills training is customized to every student.  This boot camp offers management training, career professionalism, networking skills, and communication skills.

In addition, we offer our female trainees a program developed by female leaders in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)-sectors that aims to provide tools needed for women to progress in STI, such as work/life balance, women entrepreneurialism, women negotiations for positions in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Professional Development Workshops

The program offers workshops with our industrial and non-academic partners on science projects in industry, industrial research environment, project planning and management, networking, intellectual property and initiating commercialization.

Special Seminar Series on Microbiomes

Monthly lectures and interaction opportunities from academia, industry and government speakers, organized by the University of Ottawa are offered throughout the academic year. These seminars are simultaneously broadcasted to the Université de Montréal and the Université Laval.

Rotations

Graduate trainees participate in module-based rotational student mobility training experiences during their program. The rotations are available in academia, in the industry and international sites and are selected based on an individual career development plan and aligned to generate results relevant to their research project.

Program Funding

Three forms of funding are available to students:

  1. research stipends
  2. conference attendance, and
  3. program rotation related travel.

Students should speak with their CREATE-TECHNOMISE supervisor regarding their research stipend. Students will participate in national and international rotations with our partners. Students will disseminate their research, and the uniqueness and pedagogical value of the CREATE-TECHNOMISE training program. This also provides students with excellent networking opportunities. Funding is to provide partial financial support to each student (e.g., travel, accommodations, and registration).

Students should contact the program director or program coordinator for further information on rotation and conference funding.