genome canada has launched a request for applications (rfa) on june 16, 2014, and is seeking proposals for large-scale research projects which focus on the application of genomics in the area of agri-food and fisheries and aquaculture. the competition will be a partnership with western grains research foundation (wgrf).

this competition aims to support projects focused on using genomic approaches to address challenges and opportunities related to global food safety, security and sustainable production, and thereby contribute to the canadian bioeconomy and the well-being of canadians.

in order to better prepare the projects being submitted from ontario for this competition, the ontario genomics institute (ogi) will complete a due diligence review of the applications prior to submission to genome canada. please note to accommodate this process that the deadlines for ogi differ from those in the official rfa from genome canada. all applicants will receive feedback on their applications including gaps and areas for improvement. ogi plans to use this feedback to assess the level and type of support required to help the teams through the application process.

researchers in ontario intending to submit an application are strongly encouraged to contact ogi to discuss details of the competition such as the scope, the application process, tips for writing the benefit for canada section of the proposal, how to incorporate ge³ls in proposals, and co-funding requirements.

funds available

• there is up to $30 million available for this competition through genome canada with an additional $5 million available from western grains research foundation (wgrf).
• at least 60% of the requested funding for eligible costs for each project must be obtained through co-funding from other sources.
• genome canada will invest a minimum of $600,000 to a maximum of $3.3 million in an individual project (i.e., with the maximum investment from genome canada, plus the required co-funding, a total investment of more than $10 million per project is possible)
• successful individual projects will be awarded funding for a term of up to four years.

all applicants must identify and address key ethical, economic, environmental, legal and/or social aspects relevant to the genomics research (ge³ls) being proposed as part of the overall research plan (for information about ogi’s ge³ls support program, please click here). stand alone ge³ls proposals are also eligible to be submitted as large-scale projects.

draft registrations due at ogi july 7, 2014.