In 2006, Genome Canada launched an initiative, to invite the scientific community and stakeholders to prepare position papers identifying Strategic Research Themes for future funding.

It seeks expressions of interest, after which participants will select theme leaders to manage the drafting and submission of completed position papers, which are then subjected to peer review by an international panel.

As of the end of 2008, four position papers have been recommended for inclusion in Genome Canada’s strategic research portfolio and its budget submissions to Industry Canada.

Those from 2007-08 were in Agriculture - Plants, “Crop Genomics for a Healthy Canada,” and in Bioproducts, “Securing Canada’s Future Bio-based Economy Through Genomics.” These papers were the basis of Genome Canada’s competition “Applied Genomics Research in Bioproducts or Crops (ABC),” which was announced on 1 April 2008.

In 2008-09, the recommended papers were in Agriculture - Animals, “Aquatic and Terrestrial Animal Genomics,” and in Children’s Health, “Child Health Genomics: An Investment in Canada’s Future.”

The position paper initiative is currently on hold.  For additional details, visit the Genome Canada website or contact OGI.