Genome BC has launched the third intake for its Societal Issues Program. Where past intakes provided insights and understanding of society’s perception and valuation of genomic technologies, Societal Issues – Intake 3 (SOC3) aims to illuminate how to facilitate adoption of genomic tools in one specific industry.
Salmon, and therefore fisheries, are the focus of this program due to their cultural, economic, and environmental conservation value in British Columbia. Projects will reveal and provide recommendations regarding barriers and opportunities for genomics uptake.
The effects of climate change on rivers and oceans are significant and are expected to increase. Genomic tools have been identified as one solution for the better understanding of, preparing for, and adapting to change. Past Genome BC funded projects in the natural sciences have focused on the production of such tools. Therefore, both emerging and established genomic technologies are available for salmon conservation and management, yet their uptake in fisheries remains relatively limited. Additionally, despite the clear value of both, pairing Traditional Knowledge and Western scientific knowledge for resource management is the exception rather than the norm.
This program aims to establish practical and realistic recommendations for genomic uptake by focusing on co-creation of knowledge, knowledge mobilization, and program-wide knowledge sharing. Each project must identify relevant end users with an expectation of working with Indigenous partners and bridging Traditional Knowledge with Western science. Each team will also have the opportunity to hear from end users related to other projects and the sector in general. Program-wide recommendations which address each identified opportunity and barrier of genomic uptake will be a key deliverable.
Projects in the SOC3 program must be led by researchers in social sciences, humanities and related areas of study.
More information can be found under Funding Programs on our website.