Launching of the Global Glyco-Roadmap

The full text of the Global Glyco-Roadmap is available at: https://canadianglycomics.ca/global-glyco-roadmap/

Developed with contributions from more than 100 scientists worldwide, the Global Glyco-Roadmap: Opportunity to Action and Impact provides a shared vision for advancing glycomics over the next decade. It identifies scientific priorities, investment opportunities, and practical actions to accelerate glycomics innovation and translate discoveries into economic and societal benefits. 

While genomics and proteomics have transformed our understanding of biology, glycomics remains an essential yet underexplored layer of biological information.

Glycans, or complex sugars, play critical roles in cell communication, immune responses, disease development, and interactions between organisms and their environment. Glycan-based innovations already contribute to vaccines, biologic medicines, diagnostics, and biomaterials, with significant opportunities for further advances across healthcare, agriculture, nutrition, and sustainable materials remains largely untapped.

The roadmap highlights the economic significance of glycan-enabled products and technologies, with a combined worldwide market estimated at US 475 billion in 2025 and projected to exceed US 1 trillion by 2035. 

The roadmap calls on governments, funding agencies, research organizations, and industry to integrate glycomics more broadly into national research, development, and investment strategies. It outlines a coordinated approach to strengthening research capacity, aligning national and international efforts, and accelerating the translation and adoption of glycomics innovations over the next decade.

Anne Imberty & Serge Pérez, members of the Steering Committee