Genomics advancing domestic bee health

Genomics funded apiary
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What's the buzz about genomics?

A new project funded through Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) will use advanced techniques to provide a sustainable secure domestic supply of bees for honey production and pollination of agricultural crops.

Pierre Giovenazzo, of Laval University will collaborate with Ségolène Maucourt and Andrée Rousseau of the Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault (CRSAD). 

The project, entitled ApiOmic, breeding honey bees using genomics, sees an investment of $3.3 million towards this important solution for our crop pollinators. The funding is part of a larger parcel of over $41 million announced in May 2024.

GAPP is a key funding initiative that connects Canadian expertise in genomics with industry partners. Together these public-private partnerships are addressing global challenges from healthcare to crop pollination.

Members of the ApiOmic team, Ségolène Maucourt and Andrée Rousseau, raising queen bees.
Members of the ApiOmic team, Ségolène Maucourt and Andrée Rousseau, raising queen bees.

ABOUT GAPP

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) supports industry-facing partnered research projects that address real-world challenges. Designed to accelerate the social and economic impact of genomics, GAPP provides the space for research, innovation and application to thrive collaboratively. GAPP projects address real-world challenges and opportunities through greater collaboration between genomics scientists and the users of genomics research. They aim to stimulate public- and private-sector investment in Canadian genomics technologies, advancing technology uptake in receptors and moving technologies across readiness levels. 

Quick facts

  • Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) is a flagship initiative that recently marked its 10th year and 100th funded project.
    • GAPP leverages world-leading expertise and diversified public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of genomics solutions to generate broad economic and societal benefits for Canada
  • Budget 2021 provided $400 million over six years, starting in 2021–22, to support the creation of the Canadian Genomics Strategy to drive further innovation in genomics through commercialization and adoption. This funding included $136.7 million over two years, starting in 2022–23, for programming delivered by Genome Canada to kick-start the new strategy and complement existing genomics research and innovation programming.
  • Since 2000, Genome Canada has leveraged $1.6 billion in federal investment into a total investment of $3.9 billion in R&D including co-funding, supported over 13,784 talented research trainees, and spun-out more than 120 new Canadian companies.

Media contact

Nicola Katz
Director, Communications
Genome Canada
Cell: 613-297-0267
nkatz@genomecanada.ca

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