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In ProgressEnvironment and EnergyHealth

eDNA Surveillance Initiative

Genome Canada logo (left) and Genome Alberta logo (right)

 

Overview

The introduction of environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance is a pivotal advancement with significant implications in the health sector and presents a transformative opportunity for public health monitoring and future pandemic preparedness. As an advanced genomics technique, eDNA surveillance:
  • allows for the detection of genetic material shed by organisms into their environment,
  • offers a non-invasive method to assess ecosystem health, track disease-causing pathogens, bolster forensic science capabilities and inform decision-making on public health and related interventions at both a regional and national scale.

Funding Highlights

Maximum Project Envelope: $500,000-$1,000,000
Total Funding Available: Up to $4,300,000

Timelines

Notice of Award to Applicants: December 2024
Launch of Projects: April 1, 2025

Objectives

  • The primary objective of this initiative is to broaden the use and effectiveness of eDNA surveillance through investments in the development of genomics tools, technologies and solutions that will enable the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of eDNA samples from various ecosystems across Canada.
  • Special emphasis will be placed on applied eDNA tools that respect and prioritize Indigenous communities’ rights, interests, and expectations, ensuring their needs are met and their active involvement is sought.

Three streams of funding

A total of $4.3 million is available from Genome Canada to support the eDNA Surveillance Initiative. There are three streams of funding within this funding opportunity. Genome Alberta will lead Stream 1 for Alberta, and Stream 2 & 3 will be led by Genome Canada.

STREAM 1 – REGIONAL UPTAKE

Regional Uptake will be Genome Centre-led projects aimed at refining eDNA collection methods, improving analytical techniques, and increasing the capacity of eDNA data for public, community and personalized health and biodiversity applications.

STREAM 2 – INDIGENOUS-LED AND/OR PARTNERSHIP-BASED

Indigenous-led and/or partnership-based projects will be aimed at advancing applied eDNA solutions prioritizing Indigenous rights, interests and expectations.

STREAM 3 – COLLABORATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Collaboration and Engagement will be aimed at facilitating discussions with Canadian and International stakeholders with the goals of advancing data standards, implementing best practices, increasing alignment and connectivity and supporting public health and other stakeholders in their decision-making.

Application Process

Applications are now closed.

Funding Contact

Tom Finn, Sector Innovation Manager
tfinn@genomealberta.ca

Other Funding Opportunities

ActiveHealth

Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI) Pillar 1: Generating population-level genomic data

Registration DeadlineOctober 21, 2024

Project Value$2,000,000 - $12,000,000

ActiveHealth

Healthy Outcomes through Genomic Innovations

Registration DeadlineOctober 21, 2024

Project Value$300,000 - $750,000

SEE ALL

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Terms & Privacy Policy

Genome Alberta respectfully acknowledges that our head office is located on Treaty 7 territory of the Blackfoot confederacy, Siksika, Kainai and Piikani First Nations, as well as the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina First Nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Metis homeland.

We will continue the work of healing and reconciliation in our communities and look forward to building a path to lead us to a better relationship with Indigenous Peoples and the environment around us based on peace, friendship and respect.

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