AG-ACt

Training & Resources

Training and tools to apply research for real-world impact in agriculture, industry, and policy.

Build skills, bridge sectors, and drive change

The Agricultural Genomics Action Centre (AG-ACt) offers training and resources to help researchers, students, and industry professionals apply genomics research in real-world agriculture and food systems solutions

Our resources provide the skills and knowledge needed to bridge research, industry, and policy through knowledge mobilization, commercialization, and community engagement.

Join our self‑paced CSAFS Training Certificate Program

We are launching a new, self‑paced Training Certificate for all members of the CSAFS community: HQPs, ICTs, Genome Canada, Genome Centres, and partners. Build practical knowledge and skills with flexible learning that fits your schedule to support your climate-smart research!

At-A-Glance: CSAFS Training Certificate

Complete the Registration Form – Submit your form to begin the pathway toward earning your certificate
Watch for your confirmation email – Your confirmation email outlines the next steps and includes the link to the Activity Completion Survey
Track and submit your activities – After each activity, submit the Activity Completion Survey; you must complete six surveys in total
Earn your Certificate of Completion – Once all six activities are completed and submitted, you’ll receive your certificate and complimentary registration to the Cultivating Resilience Summit

AG-ACt Originals: Begin Your Journey Here

[Webinar] Creating Impactful Infographics

A 1‑hr session led by Alex Sawatzky of Arrell Food Institute at U of G

[Webinar] Engaging Indigenous Peoples in Agri-Food Research

A 1‑hr training initiative led by Emily Nanne Agri‑Food Advisory Services

[Interactive Panel Dialogue] What Does “Climate-Smart” Really Mean?

From Day 1 of #CRSummitYVR 2025, moderated by David McInnes

[Webinar] Innovate, Translate, Commercialize

Co‑hosted by AG‑ACt and SFU i2I, led by Dr. Rahul Singh of BCCAI

[Webinar] What is Research Impact?

A 1-hr session led by Dr. Sarah Morton of Capture Impact

[Webinar] Intro to Life Cycle Assessment

A 1-hr session facilitated by Fabien Hammerer of 5REDO

[Webinar] Communicating Research through Policy Briefs

An interactive introductory webinar by Dr. Zafar Adeel from SFU

Expand Your Path: Explore Additional Resources

Foundations of Knowledge Mobilization

Learn essential strategies for sharing research effectively and maximizing its impact.

AG-ACt Webinar: What is Research Impact? – A 1-hr session led by Sarah Morton of Capture Impact; This webinar makes impact accessible, practical, and achievable for researchers at any stage

Certificate in Knowledge Mobilization (U of G) – A self-paced three‑course online program (Inform, Engage, Act) that can be completed in any order; total cost: $1,300

Knowledge Mobilization Online Modules (RIC) – Free, self‑paced e‑modules focused on key KMb skills, including introductory concepts, inclusive KMb, and storytelling

Knowledge Transfer for Impact (Grain Farmers of Ontario) – A comprehensive framework created to increase the real-world impact of research for farmers and growers

Knowledge Management and Communication E-Book (eCampusOntario) – A free downloadable PDF covering both core and specialized KMb topics such as social media, intellectual property, and data sharing

Community Engagement & Experiential Learning

Develop skills in interest-holder collaboration, public outreach, and hands-on learning.

AG-ACt Webinar: Engaging Indigenous Peoples in Agri-Food Research – A 1‑hr training initiative led by Emily Nanne Agri‑Food Advisory Services offering practical, research‑focused guidance on how, when, and why to engage Indigenous Peoples throughout the research process

Resource: Indigenous Engagement FAQ, Tools & Resources – A supplemental guide developed by Emily Nanne Agri‑Food Advisory Services to accompany the webinar, providing additional tools, FAQs, and supports for effective Indigenous engagement

Resource: Engaging with Indigenous Peoples, Communities and Knowledges (Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance) – A comprehensive resource page outlining ethical, relational, and practical considerations for researchers, aligned with the University of Guelph’s commitments to reconciliation and respectful collaboration

Resources from First Nations University of Canada:

IRLET: Indigenous Research Level of Engagement Tool – A training module and tool that aids researchers and reviewers assess Indigenous research proposals across key engagement categories using a simple 1–5 scoring scale
Indigenous Research Methodologies Training Module – A training module that guides learners through the historical relationship between Indigenous communities and Western education using research, policy, and planning perspectives
Indigenous Continuing Education Centre’s (ICEC) course offerings – A listing of Indigenous Continuing Education Centre courses organized by certification type

Webinar: Indigenous Engagement: Teaching and Learning Together (Genome BC) – A 1‑hour session where Dr. Angela McIntyre, Teresa Carlson, and Dr. Stefania Pizzirani from the Just Transitions project reflect on their collaboration and the development of the Indigenous Engagement toolkit

Resource: Centering Indigenous Voices: A Guide Towards Allyship in Indigenous Research (Western University) – A downloadable PDF guide to support researchers in conducting work in genuine allyship with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and organizations

Indigenous Canada course (University of Alberta) – A free 12‑module online Coursera course for beginners to learn about Indigenous histories, knowledge systems, and worldviews

Fundamentals of OCAP® Course (First Nations Information Governance Centre) – A training program that introduces the OCAP principles (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) to guide ethical, community‑driven governance of First Nations’ data; cost: $500/individual, non-profit/group discounts vary

Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® course (Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.) – Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. – All‑in‑one training offers the best value by combining Indigenous Awareness (Part 1) and Indigenous Relations (Part 2); individual options range from $150 self‑guided to $800 in‑person

Commercialization Support

Gain insights into bringing innovations to market, from intellectual property to business development.

Invention to Innovation (i2I) Programming (SFU) – Founded in collaboration with Mitacs to help build the entrepreneurial mindset and skills needed to translate research innovations into real‑world impact; applications required

AG-ACt Webinar: Innovate, Translate, Commercialize: Turning Agri-Food Research into Action with i2I – How do we turn discovery into real-world impact? An interactive webinar led by Dr. Rahul Singh (BCCAI)

AG-ACt Webinar: Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) (5REDO) – An intro to the fundamentals of LCA, designed to build a shared baseline understanding of how to evaluate environmental impacts across systems and projects

Foundations of IP Strategy (CIGI) – A self-paced online IP course with built-in quizzes designed for innovators and the professionals who support them; Available in English and French

Intellectual Property Education Program (U of T) – A two‑level online program (IP Foundations and IP Strategy & Application) requiring up to 4 hours of self‑paced learning per level, supplemented year‑round by optional case studies, workshops, and expert panels

Policy & Industry

Understand how research informs policy decisions and industry practices to drive sustainable change.

AG-ACt Webinar: Write for Impact – Communicating Research through Policy Briefs – An interactive introductory webinar, facilitated by Dr. Zafar Adeel, designed to help highly qualified personnel (HQP) and researchers strengthen their ability to translate research into clear, accessible and actionable policy insights

SFU Research Meets Policy – A week‑long virtual summer program for graduate students and postdocs to build skills in policy engagement and impact, offered every July; limited free spots are available for RIC institutions; applications required

University of Guelph & AG-ACt Policy Fellowship Programs – A 6‑week fellowship that matches participants with selected faculty and staff to gain insight into real policy challenges and strengthen connections between research, policy, and practice; cost: $499; applications required

Communications

Explore practical communication resources to help you share your work clearly, accessibly, and effectively.

AG-ACt Webinar: Creating Impactful Infographics – A 1‑hour session led by Alex Sawatzky of Arrell Food Institute on designing visually engaging infographics that communicate a clear story

SAI Food Blog – An AG‑ACt partner that independently operates a blog platform featuring accessible commentary on agri‑food research, policy, regulation, innovation, and sustainability

Plain Language Checklist (SickKids Learning Institute) – A straightforward checklist covering word choice, document design, and key knowledge‑translation principles

Plain Language Writing Tool: Hemingway Editor – A web‑based tool that provides real‑time readability feedback to help ensure content is clear and accessible

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