A new project funded through Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) will harness the power of genomics to drive public health innovation in the surveillance of emerging respiratory diseases.
Announced in December 2023, a new investment of $41 million will support the latest round of GAPP projects, fueling late-stage research and development (R&D) projects addressing real world opportunities and challenges, including a $6.1 million investment in wastewater surveillance.
A NEW PROJECT DRIVING PUBLIC HEALTH INNOVATION
Surveillance alert for fast epidemiology genomics and unified agile response to disease (SAFEGUARD) against respiratory viruses using wastewater surveillance
- Dr. Natalie Prystajecky and Dr. David McVea (University of British Columbia) and Bonnie Henry (BC Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Ministry of Health) and Dr. Natalie Knox (National Microbiology Laboratory-Public Health Agency of Canada) will develop and implement a robust and comprehensive genomics-based wastewater-based surveillance program to enable rapid public health response to key respiratory viruses. Wastewater surveillance is an effective early warning system to predict outbreaks and detect emerging variants of respiratory viruses. This project will guide strategic plans for the development of a pan-Canadian Wastewater Network—enabling Canadians to benefit from quicker responses to public health threats
To learn more about this investment in genomic research and development, click here.
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.