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New genomics research delivers sustainable solutions to public health and food security challenges

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Genome Canada funding supports impact-focused genomics research and development projects.

Genomics research is fueling innovation to address global challenges like public health and food security. As a world leader in this field, Canada continues to support genomics research to improve lives, strengthen communities and drive economic growth.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced more than $41 million in government and private funding in support to eight new genomics research projects funded through Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP). GAPP supports research and development projects that address real world opportunities and challenges by translating genomics innovations into tangible applications, solutions and products.  

The projects announced today will harness cutting-edge genomics science and innovative technologies and tools to deliver real-world impacts for Canadians and drive healthier, more sustainable and prosperous communities across Canada.

These public-private partnerships will generate solutions for:

  • Health, by delivering life-saving precision health for cancer patients and those with rare genetic diseases, improving diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options, and driving public health innovation for surveillance of respiratory viruses.
  • Resilient agriculture, by improving and increasing livestock and eco-friendly crop production in Canada.
  • Sustainable fisheries, by expanding high-protein shellfish production to address food insecurity.

Explore the eight new projects announced today.

Quotes

“Genomic technologies and innovations are crucial to finding solutions to global challenges like precision health, food and energy security, environmental protection and more. Programs like Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program truly demonstrate Canada’s world-class strength in genomics research and how it contributes to creating a better Canada, and world, for all. I look forward to seeing the amazing impact of these cutting-edge projects.”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Genome Canada is proud to continue working with the Government of Canada to drive and deliver high-impact genomics research and innovation collaborations among academic, industry, healthcare and other government partners. Together, we will help save and improve the lives of Canadians and create solutions to complex health, environmental and food security challenges.”

– Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada

Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO, Genome Canada

Quick facts

  • Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) is a flagship initiative that recently marked its 10th year and 100th funded project.
    • GAPP leverages world-leading expertise and diversified public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of genomics solutions to generate broad economic and societal benefits for Canada.
  • Budget 2021 provided $400 million over six years, starting in 2021–22, to support the creation of the Canadian Genomics Strategy to drive further innovation in genomics through commercialization and adoption. This funding included $136.7 million over two years, starting in 2022–23, for programming delivered by Genome Canada to kick-start the new strategy and complement existing genomics research and innovation programming.
  • Today’s announcement includes more than $11 million in federal funding for genomics research and an additional $30 million in co-funding from provincial governments, businesses and other research partners across Canada.
  • Since 2000, Genome Canada has leveraged $1.6 billion in federal investment into a total investment of $3.9 billion in R&D including co-funding, supported over 13,784 talented research trainees, and spun-out more than 120 new Canadian companies.

Media contact

Nicola Katz, Director, Communications Genome Canada Cell: 613-297-0267 nkatz@genomecanada.ca

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