Project development process
Projects will be developed through a commissioning process. Projects will be commissioned in areas that are of strategic importance to the purpose of GA2.0, including strong potential for economic impact. Such areas will be identified by the co-Directors, Science Advisory Forum, GA Board and/or commercial partners, and with broad industry and sector consultation. We have identified strategic areas with economic impact and initiated the development of some high-priority projects. Later projects will require more strategic input (from the groups above) to ensure GA2.0 remains nimble and responsive to external signals.
From late 2026 onwards, strategic input into project commissioning will become more extensive, reaching a broader segment of the research, industry and sector community to ensure we are generating projects that are fit for purpose, address significant needs, and provide economic value. It is anticipated that these calls for proposals will be focused on specific areas with potential for economic impact, but will allow GA to expand its scope and fund a broader range of researchers and research topics. Commercial and industry advice will be sought from entities such as diagnostic labs, environmental testing labs, start-up companies.
The Indigenous Genomics Platform (IGP) was set up in 2021 as a targeted method of supporting research projects that demonstrate partnership and return clear benefit to Māori. Project development is led by GA's Vision Mātauranga Manager.
Project assessment process
For each proposal, we will appoint a small group of experts (including relevant non-conflicted SAF members and commercial/economic expertise) to carry out the initial assessment. This group will be selected out of our Board-approved College of Assessors and appointed by the co-Directors and, in the case of IGP projects, the VM Manager. The group will provide a stop/go point for project assessment based on science excellence and alignment with strategic goals and principles. These include capacity and capability building, development of genomics and bioinformatics infrastructure, and economic impact. Particular care will be taken with the economic value assessment of projects. Following on, projects will be assessed by the IAP and VM assessors before being presented to the Board for final decision-making on funding.
