2020 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition: Genomics Solutions for Natural Resources and the Environment (CLOSED)

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.

Genome Canada, together with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2020 Large Scale Applied Research Project Competition “Genomics Solutions for Natural Resources and the Environment”. The Competition aims to support applied research projects that use genomic approaches to address challenges and opportunities in Canada’s natural resources and environment sectors, including interactions between natural resources and the environment, thereby contributing to the Canadian bioeconomy, a healthy environment and the well-being of Canadians.

The scope of this funding opportunity will include areas such as genomics research related to energy, mining, forestry, water stewardship, healthy oceans, wildlife management/conservation and bioproducts that help conserve natural resources, protect the environment and support sustainable resource management. It also includes the use of genomics to understand the adaptive genetic potential of species, populations and ecosystems to climate and other environmental changes and stressors, and identify those key elements that impact ecosystem structure, function and diversity.

The natural resource and environment sectors have a history of using research to assess challenges and develop various solutions. Knowledge and innovation emerging from genomics have the potential to help address the challenges in these sectors and thereby drive sustainability, growth, productivity, commercialization and global competitiveness. Previous investments from Genome Canada in these sectors have led to the development of genomic tools, resources and policies for biomonitoring and ecotoxicological risk assessment, bioremediation, increased efficiency of hydrocarbon extraction, and increased forest sustainability. See previous LSARP projects

Research into the implications of genomics in society (GE³LS research)

Because genomics and its applications in the natural resource and environment sectors can have significant social and economic impact, all projects must undertake research into the application and implications of genomics in society (GE³LS research). GE³LS research can either be the major focus of the project or an integrated component that is shaped by, and helps shape, the overall project.

Funding Available and Term

This funding opportunity makes it possible to collaboratively carry out joint projects with NRCan researchers, where Genome Canada funds will support the Genome Canada eligible researchers and NRCan funds will support the NRCan researchers.

• There is approximately $25 million available for the term of this competition through Genome Canada, and approximately $1.5 million from NRCan.
• The contribution from Genome Canada must be between $1 million and $3 million, and the amount of co-funding from eligible sources must be at least equal to the Genome Canada contribution.
• NRCan will only invest in projects it determines to be relevant; projects are encouraged but not required to include a component that would be funded by NRCan.
• The NRCan funding for this competition cannot be included as co-funding.
• Successful individual projects will be awarded funding for a term of up to four years.

Eligibility

Genome Canada funds can only be awarded to individuals affiliated with one or more of the following types of organizations:

• Canadian universities and affiliated institutions including research hospitals and research institutes
• Not-for-profit organizations (including community or charitable organizations) with an explicit research mandate
• Canadian non-federal government departments or agencies

Individuals eligible to receive and administer Genome Canada funds must be:

• Autonomous regarding their research activities; and,
• Have an academic or research appointment such that the individual is:
• allowed to pursue the proposed research project independently for the duration of the funding, to supervise trainees, and to publish the research results; and
• obliged to conform to institutional/organizational regulations and guidelines concerning the conduct of research, the supervision of trainees, and the employment conditions of staff.

Research teams may include as co-applicants international, private sector, or federal laboratory scientists. However, Genome Canada funding is restricted to activities performed within Genome Canada eligible institutions and NRCan funding (from this funding opportunity) is restricted to activities performed within NRCan.

Application Material and Relevant Links

Potential applicants should contact Laura Riley, Manager, Sector Innovation and Programs at lriley@ontariogenomics.ca

RFA and Guidelines:

• Request for Applications (RFA)
• Guidelines for Funding Research Projects

Other Resources:

• Genome Canada Competition Webpage link
• Informational Webinar Video link
• Pre-Application Development Webinar Slides
• Pre-Application Development Webinar Video Link
• LSARP 2020 Workshop Reports

Competition Timeline

To support the projects from Ontario submitted to this competition, Ontario Genomics will engage external reviewers and advisors to perform a friendly review of the draft applications and facilitate strategy sessions. 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, if having not already done so, to discuss details of the competition such as the scope, the application process, tips for writing the Benefits to Canada Section of the proposal, how to incorporate GE³LS in proposals, and co-funding requirements.

^#OG does not require institutional signatures on Registrations, but institutional requirements may vary, so please check with your institution.
*Dates may be subject to change

If you have any questions, contact Laura Riley, Director, Sector Innovation and Programs at lriley@ontariogenomics.ca.