February 4, 2019, Guelph, Ontario – Genomics research is producing dramatic breakthroughs in science, transforming our understanding of the world around us. The results of this research are being used to address important challenges and develop innovative solutions, not just in human health, but across diverse sectors of the economy.
Today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced $22.7 million funding to support 37 research projects as a result of three Genome Canada funding competitions.
Sixteen of these projects are based in Ontario – driving $10.9 million of federal funding into the province, and an additional $19 million in investments by industry, the Ontario government and other funding partners, for a total of $29.9 million to support the development and application of genomics innovations in Ontario.
This investment will support researchers at the University of Guelph including Dr. Bonnie Mallard, who is working in collaboration with Semex Alliance – a Canadian company started and owned by Canadian farmers – on improving cattle welfare by fighting Bovine Respiratory Disease, which costs Canadian farmers more than $100 million a year. Funding will also support a collaborative project between Dr. Mehrdad Hajibabaei and his team with researchers from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Environment and Climate Change Canada. They will use ‘environmental DNA barcoding’ to generate and monitor biodiversity of Canada’s watersheds to better understand the impacts of resource projects like mines, hydro dams and energy projects.
These collaborative investments advance genomics-based solutions that improve health, create jobs and drive economic growth for all Ontarians.
Quotes
“Through these collaborative investments, we are enabling the development of real-world genomics-based solutions that will positively impact the health and well-being of Ontarians, protect our environment, and grow our economy.”
– Dr. Bettina Hamelin, President and CEO, Ontario Genomics
Quick facts
- The University of Guelph is one of 16 Canadian universities to benefit from the $56.1 million to support 37 research projects at institutions across Canada.
- Today’s announcement includes support for recipients of three Genome Canada programs:
- Genomics research is driving innovation across sectors: including health, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, mining, energy, the environment.
- The global genomics market is expected to reach 27.6 billion US dollars in the next six years.
Ontario Genomics
Donna Takacs
Director, Communications
dtakacs@ontariogenomics.ca
Cell: 416-275-4180
Genome Canada
Rachael Maxwell
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
rmaxwell@genomecanada.ca
Cell: 514-589-3784
Twitter: @CDNScience; @OntarioGenomics; @GenomeCanada
Ontario Genomics is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ontario government and Genome Canada. Established in 2000, it is focused on stimulating, enabling, nurturing and applying genomics innovations in the province of Ontario across all sectors of the bio-economy. Ontario Genomics connects ideas, people and organizations to invest in genomics-based solutions aimed at improving quality of life and driving economic growth.
Genome Canada is a not-for-profit organization that acts as a catalyst for developing and applying genomics and genomic-based technologies, to create economic and social benefits for Canadians. Genome Canada connects ideas and people across public and private sectors to find new uses for genomics, invests in large-scale science and technology to fuel innovation, and translates discoveries into applications and solutions across key sectors of national importance, including health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries & aquaculture, energy, mining, and the environment.
