The building houses state-of-the-art laboratories for genomics, biotechnology and bioinformatics —including research in biomass conversion, cellulosic biofuels, bioproduct development, alternative energy sources—, and open spaces to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. The new center is expanding partnerships with industry, and its goal is to develop innovative genomics solutions to transform green waste (twigs, stems, agricultural straws and leaves) into renewable alternative chemicals and fuels. The center hosts 150 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and professors-researchers, and is also open to the external research community.
In front of the center, on Sherbrooke Street, stands the sculpture "Figures en lisère" by artist Marie-France Brière. This public art work made of marble, stainless steel and granite weighs more than 13,000 kilos, is six meters high and symbolizes the link between the local community and the scientific explorations conducted within the center.