Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The ability to rapidly and cheaply sequence DNA has transformed nearly all disciplines in the life sciences. However, access to sequencing infrastructure is severely limiting at our Institution. The goal of this research tools and infrastructure application is to bring rapid and affordable next-generation DNA sequencing capacity to an underserved research community currently forced to outsource this analysis on a fee-for-service basis. The current equipment deficit we are experiencing has two negative consequences: it decelerates research and increases its real cost. The requested MiSeq benchtop DNA sequencer is a fully integrated state-of-the-art system ideal for central shared system. Its acquisition will be a strategic investment that supports the full spectrum of NSERC-funded basic enquiry; this is reflected in the applicants research areas of genomics, environmental toxicology, gene regulation, biofuel innovation, cellular development, gut microbiome research and synthetic biology. It is essential for our Institution to increase local NGS capacity to maintain cutting-edge research programs, to ensure NSERC Discovery Grant resources are spent economically, and to acknowledge that in leading training environments trainees will acquire relevant skills. In this case increased NGS infrastructure is needed to deliver highly sough-after skills in genomics.