Genomics is the science that aims to decipher and understand the entire genetic information of an organism encoded in DNA and related molecules. Advancements in genomics research have led to the development of cutting-edge technologies and innovations applicable across several sectors, including public health, food, and natural resources.
Genomics is helping to advance precision health, improve the productivity and resiliency of forests, crops, and livestock, create more sustainable energy and biomaterials, bioremediate contaminated sites and protect the environment.
The Canadian Genomics Strategy will support Canada's genomics sector and Canada's position as a leader in the field.
The strategy focuses on 3 goals:
- Advancing commercialization
- Strengthen data accessibility
- Developing top-tier talent
To learn more, please read the Canadian Genomics Strategy.
Commercialization and adoption
Advancing the commercialization and adoption of genomics applications by Canadian businesses through:
- Genome Canada's Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) funding that will support industry collaborations and directly fund companies, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of genomics innovations.
- Expanding the Global Innovation Clusters program's support for genomics projects that scale technology and foster industry partnerships.
- Supporting the Innovation Solutions Canada's program to enable government to partner with eligible Canadian small businesses and facilitate the early development, testing and validation of prototypes to make the Government of Canada a first adopter in the genomics space.
Data
Strengthening leadership of the genomics enterprise to foster collaboration and improve data accessibility across Canada's genomics ecosystem through:
- Investing in Regional Genome Centres to boost regional development, enhance industry support and facilitate coordinated, collaborative partnerships across the national genomics ecosystem.
- Supporting the establishment of national data standards and a federated data sharing platform with the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) with investments made through CIHR.
Talent
Developing top-tier talent in Canada's genomics sector, cultivating a robust pipeline of highly qualified professionals to address critical workforce needs through:
- Supporting the development of next-generation genomics talent through NSERC's Collaborative Research and Training Experience program (CREATE) program and CIHR's specialized Master's and Doctoral Awards.