Vision
To position PROTEO-Laval as a leader in research and innovation on the function, engineering and applications of proteins in a context of sustainable development.
Missions
- Bring together a critical mass of researchers with diversified and complementary expertise from Université Laval working in the field of protein research.
- Create a stimulating scientific environment to attract, train and retain world-class scientists, while supporting the dimensions of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
- Train new talent from diverse backgrounds through the acquisition of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary skills to support the growth of protein science in Quebec.
- Pool high-value human and material resources to create a cutting-edge research infrastructure enabling researchers to do more and perform better on an international scale in a highly competitive field.
- Advance knowledge of model protein systems by tackling large-scale problems, exploiting the synergy of complementary expertise and the cluster's multitude of sophisticated scientific infrastructures.
- Promote democratization and universal access to knowledge in protein science, and promote protein science and the importance of research to the general public, especially young people.
- Solve scientific, environmental, economic and societal problems related to the function, engineering and applications of proteins, in order to foster equitable, inclusive and open innovation.
Values
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Integrity, collaboration and professionalism
- Innovation, excellence and scientific rigor
- Education, scientific popularization and societal commitments
- Knowledge sharing and access
Research Themes
PROTEO-Laval's Research Themes
PROTEO-Laval's research themes are organized around three major, interconnected, and structuring axes that span the entire continuum of value creation from discoveries and innovations in protein science. These themes are coordinated with those of the pan-Québec PROTEO network.
Axis 1. Fundamental Discoveries on Protein Function and Interaction Networks
The identification of new proteins and the characterization of their mechanisms of action at the molecular level and within their biological functions are essential steps toward developing, producing, and utilizing new biological products and bioprocesses. Furthermore, given their involvement in physiological processes, proteins serve as reliable biomarkers for diagnostics and are key targets for the development of effective therapies. However, proteins are complex macromolecules, and their physicochemical, structural, and biological characterization still presents numerous technological challenges, requiring a transdisciplinary research strategy. Researchers in Axis 1 have complementary expertise in emerging fields such as protein structure and network prediction using artificial intelligence, molecular dynamics, and functional proteomics. Understanding the molecular function of proteins across organisms, from simple to complex, is absolutely essential to support Axes 2 and 3, particularly for enabling targeted application development.
Axis 2. Protein Engineering and Innovative Biological Systems
Recent advances in genome editing, protein engineering, synthetic biology, cellular engineering, and bioorthogonal chemistry allow proteins to be used as autonomous devices or as central components of integrated systems. By modulating and controlling the powerful molecular machines that proteins represent, it becomes possible to design sensitive biochemical tools and complex systems with innovative functions to meet societal needs in sustainable health and green biotechnologies. Researchers at PROTEO-Laval aim to develop modified proteins as green catalysts, particularly for (bio)pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as protein components for biomedical diagnostics. These innovations can be integrated into biological systems, such as engineered microorganisms, enabling access to a broad spectrum of new bioproducts and bioprocesses. The research activities of Axis 2 are driven by discoveries from Axis 1 and offer unique innovation opportunities for high-value-added processes, with support from researchers in Axis 3—thus illustrating the strategic value chain of PROTEO-Laval.
Axis 3. Biofabrication
Scientific breakthroughs and innovative approaches in protein engineering and synthetic biology are directly supported and enhanced within PROTEO-Laval through the presence of experts in biofabrication and bioprocess engineering. On one hand, researchers in Axis 3 aim to develop and support the production of various high-value biomolecules in sufficient quantity and quality to enable validation studies and accelerate the translation of technologies from the scientific community. On the other hand, since proteins are biological catalysts at the heart of bioprocesses, scaling up innovations in life engineering is essential to deploy viable solutions to key challenges facing Québec society, such as replacing chemical syntheses with eco-responsible processes. These goals are supported by recognized expertise in applied bioengineering, the development of advanced analytical tools, and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure.