Public release date: 24-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jia Liu liujia@genomics.cn BGI Shenzhen

Research in the growing field of genomics which could lead to a new generation of personalised medical treatments will be boosted by an initiative that brings together scientific expertise from China and Edinburgh.

A memorandum of understanding signed between the University of Edinburgh and BGI, the world's largest genomics organisation, will aim to build on both institutions' strengths in genomics.

It will aim to enhance researchers' scientific understanding of the building blocks with which people and other living organisms are made.

The partnership will lead to an expansion of genomics research in Edinburgh, including analysing hereditary information encoded in our DNA, which could help assess risks for particular diseases.

It comes at a time of increasing interest in how better understanding of genes, through DNA sequencing facilities, will help to develop personalised medicines.

Genomics also plays an important role in looking at how livestock can be bred with resistance to diseases to help produce food sustainably for a growing global population.

The agreement between the University of Edinburgh and BGI will explore how research at three genomics facilities in Edinburgh GenePool Genomics Facility in the School of Biological Sciences, ARK Genomics at the Roslin Institute and the Genetics Core at the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility and the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine could be enhanced through collaboration with BGI.

As one of the world's largest genomics organisations, BGI has developed an integrative structure of research innovation, platform development and industrial application. BGI is actively building links with research leaders all over the world, with the aim of promoting the advancement of innovative biology research, molecular breeding, healthcare and related fields.

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Scots link-up with China to boost genetic research

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