Annual reports
The last detailed GRDI annual performance report was produced in 2018-2019. Formal reporting through Treasury Board processes is now the responsibility of individual GRDI departments and agencies for mandated research projects, and of the National Research Council of Canada for Shared Priority Projects.
Evaluations
Independent evaluations are conducted periodically to assess the performance and relevance of the GRDI with regard to its targeted outcomes.
Impact Evaluation - 2020
An independent evaluation focusing on shared priority projects was completed in 2020. The evaluation methods included a bibliometric analysis, document review, and key informant interviews. The evaluation confirmed that the project management approach was working well and that the projects addressed federal priorities and mandates. Interdepartmental collaboration demonstrated by the shared priority projects is unique within the federal government, fostering interdependencies in workflows and serve as a model for other science programs. The evaluation also confirmed that these projects contribute to important scientific developments in the field of genomics and provide concrete applications for research, policy-making and regulations. For more information, please consult the evaluation report.
Impact Evaluation - 2016
Another independent impact evaluation of the GRDI completed in 2016 used multiple lines of evidence (document review, key informant interviews, case studies). The evaluation confirmed that the initiative was consistent with government priorities, was successful in developing innovative knowledge and technologies and influencing evidence-based public policy, and exceeded productivity targets. It also confirmed that GRDI projects had successfully transferred knowledge and technologies to end users, both internal and external to the federal government. The evaluation found evidence that GRDI-funded projects are expected to have real and lasting impacts leading to billions of dollars in benefits over the longer-term. The evaluation also found that the initiative was efficient and effective, that shared priority projects have achieved significant results, and that there is a continued need for this type of interdepartmental collaboration. For more information, please consult the executive summary of the review.
Impact Evaluation – 2011
An independent impact evaluation of the GRDI completed in 2010 considered feedback from close to 160 individuals in Canadian governmental organizations (federal, provincial, and municipal), universities, private companies, not-for-profit organizations and international organizations. The evaluation findings recognized the considerable contributions of the GRDI to the development and application of new research methods, techniques, standard operating protocols and overall approaches. They confirmed that research met the needs of main stakeholders, both internal and external to participating departments and agencies. All lines of evidence provided strong support that the Initiative has positioned GRDI researchers as important contributors to genomics research at the national and international levels, and that it generated results not achieved by the other genomics R&D conducted in Canada.
Formative Review - 2006
The first independent evaluation completed in 2006 found the initiative both successful and relevant in delivering well-managed credible research for policy, regulation and other government decisions. The evaluation confirmed that the GRDI was successful in increasing the capacity of federal science departments to carry out genomics research. It also concluded to the legitimate and necessary role for government in genomics R&D, and to the complementing nature of GRDI and other federal or provincial initiatives in this area, without overlap or duplication.