Genome Canada is pleased to announce the launch of its 2010 Competition for Science and Technology Innovation Centre (S&T IC) Operations Support.

Genome Canada funds and manages large-scale, milestone-driven genomics research projects in the areas of health, agriculture, environment, forestry, fisheries, new technology, and GE³LS. Genome Canada also supports leading-edge Science & Technology Innovation Centres (S&T ICs; formerly referred to as S&T Platforms). These S&T ICs provide researchers access to high throughput genomics and proteomics technologies, such as DNA sequencing, RNA expression, protein identification and quantitation, as well as new methods and protocols development, data analysis, and bioinformatics. The S&T ICs also assist researchers in the development of research proposals by providing advice on appropriate technologies and study design that improve the quality of the research.
 
Six Genome Centres located across Canada support genomics research at a regional level. They assist applicants in preparing competitive applications, facilitate access to S&T ICs and other service providers, and help applicants with aspects of project development and management. Eligible applicants must submit proposals through a regional Genome Centre and it is the responsibility of the Centre to determine which S&T ICs to put forward to Genome Canada. Once an S&T IC is approved the Genome Centres have the lead in ensuring their effective management and monitoring.

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)
The purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications for operations support for Science and Technology Innovation Centres (S&T ICs) in genomics technologies. This is an open competition with a maximum of $24 million available for a period of two years (April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013). Full applications must be submitted to Genome Canada, through a regional Genome Centre, by January 12, 2011 with the decisions of Genome Canada’s Board being announced by March 31, 2011.

To ensure that S&T ICs of the highest caliber are funded through this competition, applications will be assessed by an international panel of experts through a rigorous review process. The primary criteria for any S&T IC to receive funding from Genome Canada are:

• Demonstrated demand for services (current and future) from Genome Canada-funded projects, as well as projects funded by other organizations
• Technical ability to deliver the services
• Demonstration of sufficient infrastructure capacity
• Management
• Appropriateness of financial processes

There is a need for the S&T ICs to provide leading edge technologies and methods and to ensure there are sufficient resources to manage and analyze the significant amount of data generated by high throughput genomics. To address these needs this competition will allow applicants to request operations support funds for staff who specialize in methods and technology development, information technology and data analysis, such as statisticians and bioinformaticians. The creation of a National Network of S&T ICs, whose mission will be to create a mechanism for the S&T ICs to work together collaboratively, will also help to provide the highest quality genomic technologies and advice to the research community. Individual S&T ICs that are successful in receiving operating funds through this competition will become founding members of the Network. The concept of a National Network of Innovation Centres is currently under development and consultations will be undertaken with current and potential new S&T IC leaders, Genome Centres, and other stakeholders. Terms of reference and details on how the Network will function will be posted on the Genome Canada website and made available through the regional Genome Centres.

For more information see the full Guidelines and other related documents below:
 
Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria
S&T Innovation Centre Access Policy
Suggested Reviewers Form
Science Advisory Board for S&T IC - Terms of Reference
Policy on Access to Research Publications