1) New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) – Transformation Stream
We are anticipating a call for proposals in October 2019 for the Transformation Stream of the New Frontiers in Research Fund. The Transformation stream is designed to support large-scale, Canadian-led interdisciplinary research projects that address a major challenge with the potential to realize real and lasting change (high reward). The challenge may be fundamental, leading to a scientific breakthrough, or applied, with a social, economic, environmental or health impact. Projects are expected to be world-leading, drawing on global research expertise, where relevant.
The Transformation stream grants will support projects that:
- tackle a well-defined problem or challenge;
- propose a novel world-leading approach that is different from the current state-of-the art approaches to the issue;
- are interdisciplinary, bringing different perspectives to the defined problem; and
- have the potential to be transformative, defined as the potential to create a significant and real change or impact—a noticeable leap or tangible breakthrough versus an incremental advance.
Further details can be found here. As these are large-scale, interdisciplinary research projects, if you are considering applying, please contact a Research Facilitator to discuss further.
2) Notice of Upcoming Funding Opportunity: 2020 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition: Genomic Solutions for Natural Resources and the Environment
Genome Canada is pleased to advise the research community of an upcoming funding opportunity – the 2020 Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition: Genomic Solutions for Natural Resources and the Environment. This Competition is anticipated to be formally launched in January 2020 with detailed guidelines and application forms available at that time. Genome Canada is in discussion with other organizations as potential partners for this competition.
This funding opportunity aims to support applied research projects focused on using genomic approaches to address challenges and opportunities of importance to Canada’s natural resources and environment sectors, including interactions between natural resources and the environment, thereby contributing to the Canadian bioeconomy and the well-being of Canadians.
To help promote the use of genomic-based research and innovation, all projects must include research into the implications of genomics in society, historically referred to as research into GE3LS (genomics and its ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social aspects), either as the major focus of the project or as an integrated component that is shaped by, and helps shape, the overall project.
There is approximately $25 million available for this competition from Genome Canada. Genome Canada’s investment will range from $1 million to $3 million per project over a term of up to four years. A project’s eligible costs must be co-funded from eligible sources such that the co-funding is at least equal to the Genome Canada contribution.
Applicants will be required to apply for funding through their regional Genome Centre. The application process will be comprised of three steps: Registration, Pre-Application and Full Application. Based on a January 2020 Competition launch, the deadline for Registrations is expected to be in March 2020.
Note that the regional Genome Centres will be organizing stakeholder engagement and strategy sessions over the next two to three months. Information from these sessions will help inform the design of the funding opportunity.
For more information, contact your regional Genome Centre.