2017 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (B/CB) Competition

This competition is closed. All submitted proposals will be assessed according to the process outlined in the competition timeline, and results will be announced as indicated.

Ontario Genomics banner with coding imagery

Genome Canada has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2017 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Competition.

This funding opportunity will support projects that build the tools and methodologies needed to analyze and integrate the vast amounts of data being gathered in the ‘omics research community. Of particular interest will be proposals that address challenges associated with data handling and analysis associated with new technologies.

For examples of previously funded projects, see Funded B/CB Projects

RFA Objectives:

  • To support the development of next generation B/CB tools and methodologies needed to manage, analyze and integrate complex data sets produced by modern genomics technologies to better understand the associated biology; and,
  • To provide broad and timely access of these B/CB tools to the research community.

Proposal Focus Areas:

  • Stream 1: proposals mainly impacting the human health sector
  • Stream 2: proposals mainly impacting one or more of the other sectors, i.e., agriculture, aquaculture/fisheries, forestry, energy, mining and/or environment

Project Eligibility

To be eligible, proposals must:

  • respond to the objectives of the competition,
  • be applicable to at least one of the two streams described above; and
  • ensure that the essential components and deliverables of the project will be realized by the end of the project and will apply directly to the genomics research community.

Funding Parameters:

  • Total Funding Available: $12M (approximately $6M per stream)
  • Project Size: $500k-$1M per project (total)
  • Co-funding: 50% from Genome Canada + 50% from other eligible sources (1:1)
  • Award Duration: Up to 3 years

Key Definitions

The term bioinformatics is defined here as the development and application of computational tools and approaches for maximizing the use of genomics data.

The term computational biology is defined here as the development and application of theoretical data-analytical methods, mathematical modeling and computational simulation techniques in the context of the study of biological systems.

The term genomics is defined here as the comprehensive study, using high throughput technologies, of the genetic information of a cell or organism and its functions. The definition also includes related disciplines such as bioinformatics, epigenomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics and transcriptomics.

Contacts

Funding at Ontario Genomics

Key Dates

To better prepare the projects being submitted from Ontario for this competition, Ontario Genomics will engage external reviewers and consultants to perform a friendly review of the draft applications. Please note that to accommodate this process the Ontario Genomics deadlines differ from those in the official RFA from Genome Canada. Applicants will receive feedback on their applications including gaps and areas for improvement to be addressed prior to submission to Genome Canada. Researchers in Ontario intending to submit an application are strongly encouraged to contact Ontario Genomics to discuss details of the competition such as scope, application process, tips for writing the Benefits to Canada Section of the proposal and co-funding requirements. All registrations and applications must be submitted through Ontario Genomics. * All submissions must be made electronically to Ontario Genomics

Launch of Request for Applications (RFA)

December 4, 2017

Draft registrations due to Ontario Genomics*

January 24, 2018 – 10:00 AM

Final Registrations due to Ontario Genomics*

January 31, 2018 – 10:00 AM

Final Registrations due to Genome Canada

February 1, 2018

Draft Applications due to Ontario Genomics*

February 7, 2018 – 10:00 AM

Final Applications due to Ontario Genomics*

March 28, 2018 – 10:00 AM

Final Applications due to Genome Canada

April 9, 2018

Genome Canada review process completed

Mid-May, 2018

Funding Decision by Genome Canada and Partners

Late June 2018