Genomics has enormous power to help deliver solutions to preserve a clean, safe and sustainable environment in Canada.
Two new projects funded through Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) will harness the power of genomics technology to drive environmental protection in Canada, mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving the health and safety of humans, animals and the environment.
Announced in April 2023, a new investment of $56.7 million will support the latest round of GAPP projects, fuelling late-stage research and development (R&D) projects addressing real world opportunities and challenges, including a $10.2 million investment in environmental protection.
TWO NEW PROJECTS ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WITH GENOMICS
RosHAB: Rapid on‐site detection of harmful algal blooms
Dr. Jérôme Comte (Institut national de la recherche scientifique), Dr. Roger C. Levesque (Université Laval) and Dr. Daniel Verreault (Ministère de L’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Québec; MELCC) will develop an innovative metagenomic tool for in-the-field surveillance of harmful algal blooms. Algal blooms are an increasing threat due to climate change and urbanization, which can lead to acute and chronic health problems for humans and animals in Québec. Funded through Génome Québec.
Validation of the use of the EcoToxChip test system for regulatory decision-making
Dr. Niladri Basu (McGill University) and Rebecca Dalton (Environment and Climate Change Canada) will standardize and validate current toxicology testing tools used by Environment and Climate Change Canada to develop a new made-in-Canada system for chemical risk assessment that will reduce the cost and time for chemical testing. Funded through Génome Québec.
ABOUT GAPP
The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) supports industry-facing partnered research projects that address real-world challenges. Designed to accelerate the social and economic impact of genomics, GAPP provides the space for research, innovation and application to thrive collaboratively. This latest milestone investment marks the 100th project funded through GAPP and the 10th anniversary of the program, with a total investment of approximately $477.1 million to date, of which $17.9 million in was invested last fiscal, 2022-23. GAPP projects address real-world challenges and opportunities through greater collaboration between genomics scientists and the users of genomics research. They aim to stimulate public- and private-sector investment in Canadian genomics technologies, advancing technology uptake in receptors and moving technologies across readiness levels.