Montréal, September 5, 2023 —Génome Québec is particularly proud to have launched, on August 30, the third cycle of the Genomics Integration Program – Agriculture and Bio-food, Forestry and Environment, in partnership with the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT). The total investment for this cycle is $1.5 million from Génome Québec, plus $300,000 from FRQNT for a new theme entitled “A healthy planet”. This will promote areas such as biodiversity, ecosystem environmental health, animal health, soil health, pathogen detection in wastewater and genomic data management.
The projects selected under this program will focus on the use of genomic approaches to provide concrete solutions in the agriculture and bio-food, forestry and environment sectors, while contributing to a healthier, more sustainable world.
“We are delighted to be collaborating once again with the FRQNT on a priority theme for both organizations, as we firmly believe that genomics can help stimulate innovation to address the global challenges caused by climate change and biodiversity loss. This partnership with the FRQNT is further proof of our determination to put science at the service of society and its future” emphasizes Stéphanie Lord-Fontaine, Vice-President, Scientific Affairs at Génome Québec.
“While the first cycles of the Genomics Integration Program have highlighted the importance of genomic sciences in addressing major societal challenges, I am very pleased to announce the renewal of our collaboration with Génome Québec. This opportunity will enable us to continue to jointly strengthen our commitments to making research a catalyst for innovative solutions in the fight against the climate crisis and the decline in biodiversity”, says Janice Bailey, Scientific Director of FRQNT.
What is the Genomics Integration Program – Agriculture and Bio-food, Forestry and Environment?
This program supports projects ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 by covering half of the funding for partnerships between academic researchers and users partners capable of implementing and/or commercializing the research results. The funds must be used to develop a proof of concept that can be leveraged to secure subsequent funding. The funds can also be used to help the user partner integrate the proof-of-concept results at the end of the project. Projects must include an omics technology component—for example, the development of new omics technology, the use of artificial intelligence to mine omics data, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, etc.
About Génome Québec
Génome Québec’s mission is to catalyze the development and excellence of genomics research and promote its integration and democratization. It is a pillar of the Québec bioeconomy and contributes to Québec’s influence and its social and sustainable development. The funds invested by Génome Québec are provided by the ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec (MEIE), the government of Canada, through Genome Canada, and private partners. To learn more, visit www.genomequebec.com.
About the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies
The FRQNT’s mission is to support and promote research and the next generation of researchers in their excellence, diversity and openness, in order to stimulate discovery and innovation. Through its strategic orientations, FRQNT aims to attract diversified, creative and agile research talent, ensuring an innovative workforce for society as a whole; to propel open and fundamental research, generating breakthrough discoveries; and to position research as a key to responding to partner issues and major societal challenges. https://frq.gouv.qc.ca/en/nature-and-technologies/.
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Contacts
Antoine Gascon
Specialist, Communications and Public affairs
Génome Québec
514 377-5613