Print“Our government is proud to make this investment in scientific research, which is helping to build bridges between academia, policy makers, and the private sector in the emerging field of genomics.”
Canada is extending $58 million (CAD $59.7 million) for its Genomics Research and Development Initiative, the fifth round of funding for the program, which launched in 1999. Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced the funding during a speech at the Canadian Science Policy Conference, saying it will strengthen Canada's ability to perform groundbreaking scientific research.
Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI) investments allow public sector scientists to explore promising avenues of research in areas such as health, food safety, a sustainable and competitive agriculture sector, sound management of natural resources, and environmental protection. It coordinates the efforts of federal science departments and agencies involved in the field of genomics research.
Ultimately, Canada hopes the funding will help attract and retain researchers, increase investment in research and development infrastructure, and commercialize promising research.
Seven departments and agencies receive GRDI funds including the National Research Council of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
“Our government is proud to make this investment in scientific research, which is helping to build bridges between academia, policy makers, and the private sector in the emerging field of genomics," says Goodyear.
In the new phase of funding, which runs through 2014, GRDI is focusing on multidisciplinary research that requires resources from multiple departments. Among the priorities it has identified is research to improve the ability to detect, diagnose, and monitor organisms to ensure a sustainable supply of safe and healthy food and water for human consumption. It is also focusing on research to improve the ability to detect, identify, and understand Canadian biological diversity to prepare Canadian natural and managed resources and markets for global change.
November 18, 2011
http://www.burrillreport.com/article-canada_commits_58_million_to_genomics_.html
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