Genomics Research and Development Initiative

The Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI) coordinates federal science departments and agencies in the field of genomics. Genomics is the study of DNA sequences, gene functions, and the complexity of their multiple interactions. This collaborative initiative was first established in 1999.

Federal research funded by the initiative seeks to contribute solutions to issues that are important to Canadians in the areas of:

• human health
• development of new treatments for chronic and infectious diseases
• protection of the environment
• sustainable management of agricultural and natural resources

Knowledge from genomics research generates tools to:

• support government operational and regulatory mandates
• develop standards and regulations
• help evidence-based decision-making and policy development
• develop new applications related to key federal public policy objectives in all science areas

GRDI research occurs in the controlled conditions of laboratories, greenhouses or research plantations. Interaction with the natural environment is largely limited to sampling and research facilities.

The GRDI is expected to result in a net positive effect on the environment. Outcomes of this cross-government initiative will improve environmental performance, reduce pollution, and help the transition to the bio-economy.  Cross-sector outcomes will:

• help scientific understanding of the challenges faced by the forest and fisheries sectors and provide stakeholders with the tools, technology, and means to ensure the health of Canada's forest and fisheries resources, natural ecosystems, and biodiversity
• provide the agriculture sector with tools to mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop production, water quality and land use, and to support sustainable energy production
• support the development of regulatory standards, policies and guidelines and facilitate evidence- based decision making which will help protect the environment and human health

The GRDI will also contribute to the following Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) goals:

• Healthy wildlife populations: by understanding individual species in plant and wildlife communities, through analysis of family origins and identification of their location in Canadian ecosystems
• Safe and healthy communities: by modeling the effects of potentially threatening chemicals on organisms
• Effective action on climate change: by understanding how stressors in the environment, such as climate change, affect wildlife populations by using advanced genetic analysis
• Healthy coasts and oceans and Sustainably managed lands and forests: by developing indicators of ecosystem health (e.g. understanding gene processes of key species) in priority ecosystems

The GRDI will also support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning:

• building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation
• conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combatting desertification, and halting and reversing land degradation and halting biodiversity loss
• ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture

The GRDI results in socio-economic benefits for all Canadians through more secure food and a better quality water supply. By supporting more sustainable and productive resource management in the forestry, fisheries and agricultural sectors, the GRDI helps to ensure Canada’s competitive edge in changing global markets.

Follow-up will be conducted by ECCC on an annual basis with project leads to ensure all departmental projects are continuing to support the FSDS. Data will be collected through GRDI Performance Reports that are published online. ECCC will report on projects supporting the departmental mandate in accordance with the Departmental Results Report and Departmental Plan.