CIHR Genomics Data & Capacity-Building Initiative

Contact information

Telephone: 613-954-1968
Toll Free: 1-888-603-4178
support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

In February 2025, the Government of Canada announced the Canadian Genomics Strategy. Through this Strategy, CIHR was provided $10M over six years to enhance data within the genomics ecosystem and increase Canada's genomics-related talent. CIHR is implementing this funding as the CIHR Genomics Data & Capacity-Building Initiative.

Overview

The CIHR Genomics Data & Capacity-Building Initiative (the Initiative) aims to support both the accessibility and sharing of genomics data across Canada, and the development of talent in genomics health research. The Initiative is under the scientific leadership of the CIHR Institute of Genetics and is part of the Canadian Genomics Strategy led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

The Initiative has two funding components:

Funding for the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH)
The GA4GH is an international alliance formed to create a common framework of standards, policies and tools that expand the responsible, voluntary, and secure use of genomic and other related health data.

Training awards to support graduate students studying bioinformatics, computational biology, and data sciences
Responding to an identified shortage of talent in the field of genomics health data science, the training awards will develop a pool of highly qualified research personnel to address critical workforce needs and strengthen the healthcare system.

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