Some further insight from Genome Alberta. They've set up a few blogs to communicate genomics in general and the work they have been funding in specifics. Here is the communications lead, Mike Spear, on his real time reaction to the budget.
Budget 2009 Reaction | Genome Alberta Education.
The facts of the matter proved to be quite easy to get out. I was truthful about the fact that Genome Canada got no money in the budget. No sense trying to cover it with corporate-speak. That being said we have had some good years of funding from Industry Canada so it was equally easy and truthful to talk about that as well. Money for projects underway is safe and nothing needs to be canceled. There are other sources of funds out there even in tough times and I was able to honestly say we would be looking at those. Reporters aren't dumb and there is no sense treating them as such, so when the interviewer points out that it is tough to get funding back once it is cut, why not agree and say we'll be lobbying to make sure we're on the federal Christmas list next year. Transparency will rule the day.
The facts of the matter proved to be quite easy to get out. I was truthful about the fact that Genome Canada got no money in the budget. No sense trying to cover it with corporate-speak. That being said we have had some good years of funding from Industry Canada so it was equally easy and truthful to talk about that as well. Money for projects underway is safe and nothing needs to be canceled. There are other sources of funds out there even in tough times and I was able to honestly say we would be looking at those. Reporters aren't dumb and there is no sense treating them as such, so when the interviewer points out that it is tough to get funding back once it is cut, why not agree and say we'll be lobbying to make sure we're on the federal Christmas list next year. Transparency will rule the day.
iBiome 