Grant: GA4GH: National Genomics Data Sharing Initiative

In the coming years, the number of people whose genomes are sequenced as part of their medical care will grow rapidly. This presents a major opportunity to improve how we diagnose, treat, and prevent disease-if we can responsibly and efficiently share this data with researchers and clinicians around the world. However, many challenges remain. Genomic data is sensitive and complex. It must be shared securely, ethically, and in formats that allow it to be used and understood across borders, institutions, and health systems. The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) is the leading international organization dedicated to solving this problem. Officially established in Canada and headquartered at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, GA4GH develops the global standards and policies that allow genomic data to be shared safely and effectively. This includes secure systems for access, shared terminology, and guidance for protecting privacy and respecting the rights of patients and Indigenous communities. With funding from CIHR, this project will support the Canadian team that powers GA4GH's work-developing tools, supporting researchers and healthcare providers, and ensuring Canadian needs are reflected in international efforts. These efforts will make it easier to combine data from research studies, labs, and hospitals across Canada and the globe, enabling more accurate diagnoses, faster discoveries, and more equitable access to the benefits of genomics. Canada plays a central role in GA4GH, providing the majority of its operational support. This grant will ensure Canada remains at the heart of a growing global ecosystem, one that is committed to improving personal and public health through better, fairer use of genomic data.