Overview
The Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI) is the most ambitious genomic health research program in Canadian history and a major milestone for Canada’s health research and innovation ecosystem. This initiative marks the first pillar of a large-scale precision health initiative, aimed at sequencing the genomes of at least 100,000 Canadians. Reflecting the country’s unique and diverse population, this population-level genomic data is set to provide a rich resource to accelerate research, drive innovation, and improve healthcare outcomes for all Canadians.
The CPHI is the largest Genome Canada investment from funding provided through the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund (SSF). As part of this initiative, Genome Alberta is collaborating with Alberta’s health research community to generate genomic data sets that reflect the region’s population diversity and specific health needs, contributing to the national 100,000+ genome database. The database will be managed by the Pan Canadian Genome Library Initiative (PCGL) (see Documents & Resources below.
Funding Highlights
Registration deadline: CLOSED
Project Envelope Range:Up to a maximum of $6 million from Genome Canada with co-funding that is at least equal to the Genome Canada contribution.
Objectives
- Generate a coordinated, large-scale and diverse genomic data asset that reflects Canada’s population.
- Advance research outcomes and clinical impacts for patients.
- Accelerate the application and uptake of genomic data.
- Build and coordinate a community to shape precision health in Canada.
Project Eligibility
Funding was awarded to eligible Canadian researchers affiliated with academic or other publicly funded institutions, or those under contract with such institutions, who demonstrated the ability to generate genomic data at a population scale relevant to human health research. Eligible institutions were required to be in good standing and compliant with existing Genome Canada agreements. Successful candidates were required to:
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- Generate a minimum of 2,000 genomes.
- Complete whole-genome sequencing by a Genome Canada–approved Sequencing Centre (a list of approved Centres is available through Genome Canada website).
- Include self-identified race, ethnicity and ancestry data in their depositions andto report and quantitatively characterize this data. Additionally, the methodology used for collecting and analyzing this data must be clearly documented in the project protocols.
- Obtain and share Research Ethics Board approval with Genome Canada before biological samples are shared with the Sequencing Centre.
Application Process
The initiative will support 4-year projects without extension. All project activities must be completed by March 31, 2029.
Application Process
Applications for Pillar 1 are now closed.
Documents and Resources
- Link to Funding Announcement – Genome Alberta
- Link to Funding Announcement – Genome Canada
- Link to Previously Funded Projects
Funding Contact
Genome Alberta
info@genomealberta.ca