Catalina is the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Genome Canada. She has dedicated her career
to genomics and its transformative applications in life sciences in Canada and internationally. As
CSO at Genome Quebec (2008-2015) and Genome BC (2015-2019), she was instrumental in
developing competitive teams for research and innovation initiatives raising the profile of
Canadian genomics on the global stage. Recently, as the Executive Director of the Canadian
COVID19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN) she led a $40M initiative to advance the use of
genomics to understand and control the COVID19 pandemic. Now, as CSO of Genome Canada,
she is taking genomics to the next level, by advancing the national and global implementation of
genomic technologies.
Catalina was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2023. Since her diagnosis, she has been
advocating for patients’ access to precision oncology and genomic testing. She has written blogs,
participated in podcasts to increase awareness about the importance of genomics for diagnosis,
treatment and prognosis of cancer patients.
Dr. Lopez-Correa’s work has been recognized with several awards. Among others, in 2017 the
Canadian Senate 150th Anniversary Medal, in 2013 the National Order of Merit from Colombia.