image: This image shows a range of vertebrate the G10K members are working on: Bird - Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Reptile - Green Anole; Fish - Spotted Gar; Mammal - Koala; Bat - Black Flying Fox; and canine. view more
Credit: TGAC
The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) are to hold the biannual Genome 10K Conference on 29 August - 1 September 2017.
The Genome 10K initiative, led by the University of California, Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, aims to understand how complex animal life evolved through changes in DNA and use this knowledge to become better stewards of the planet.
By assembling a genomic zoo, the Genome 10K community intends to gather a collection of DNA sequences representing the genomes of 10,000 vertebrate species; approximately one for every genus of vertebrate.
With the current trend of cost reduction in DNA sequencing, the project is suggested to be achievable within the next few years.
Federica Di Palma, member of the Genome 10K steering committee and Director of Science at TGAC: "Capturing the genetic diversity of vertebrate species would create an unprecedented resource for the life sciences, for worldwide conservation efforts and food security."
The Genome 10K conference at TGAC will bring together, zoologists, geneticists, genome scientists, technologists, and bioinformaticians from around the globe, who have pledged to facilitate the genome sequence and analyses of some 10,000 living species of vertebrates.
At this meeting, the G10KCOS (GL0K Community of Scientists) will take stock of progress to-date and chart the course for the future. The conference will highlight advances under topics including Evolutionary Genomics, Conservation Genomics, Genome Informatics and Sequencing Technology; providing a space for researchers to explore common interests in special interest groups, as well as encouraging early-career scientists through provision of key skills through training workshop sessions.
TGAC engages with the initiative on a wider level, where our Director of Science, Prof Di Palma, and additional faculty collaborate on comparative genomic studies with a number of genome 10K investigators.
Prof Di Palma, added: "We at TGAC are thrilled to be hosting the next G10K conference, a key opportunity to gather the community together total about our collective strategy for the future of the project, and discuss routes to maximise the impact of the genomic data. This project has the hallmark of pushing the boundary of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and computational analysis, forging new and stronger international collaborations and, most importantly, making data accessible and reusable to the research community."
The growing Genome 10K Community of Scientists (G10KCOS) was founded by David Haussler, Oliver Ryder, and Stephen O'Brien, who launched the project in April 2009 at the UC, Santa Cruz.
Oliver Ryder, Director of Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, added: "This pioneering group is made up of leading scientists representing major zoos, museums, research centres, and universities around the world, dedicated to coordinating efforts in tissue specimen collection and large-scale sequencing and analysis projects that will revolutionise our understanding of the biosphere and contribute to species conservation efforts."
TGAC is strategically funded by BBSRC and operates a National Capability to promote the application of genomics and bioinformatics to advance bioscience research and innovation.
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Notes to Editors
1) Watch the Genome 10k video to find out more about the ground-breaking project
2) Genome 10K Conference at TGAC
3) Image shows a range of vertebrate the G10K members are working on: Bird - Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Reptile - Green Anole; Fish - Spotted Gar; Mammal - Koala; Bat - Black Flying Fox; and canine.
For more information, please contact:
Hayley London
Marketing & Communications Officer, The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC)
T: +44 (0)1603 450107
E: Hayley.London@tgac.ac.uk
About TGAC
The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) is a world-class research institute focusing on the development of genomics and computational biology. TGAC is based within the Norwich Research Park and receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC) - £7.4M in 2013/14 - as well as support from other research funders. TGAC is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from BBSRC. TGAC operates a National Capability to promote the application of genomics and bioinformatics to advance bioscience research and innovation.
TGAC offers state of the art DNA sequencing facility, unique by its operation of multiple complementary technologies for data generation. The Institute is a UK hub for innovative Bioinformatics through research, analysis and interpretation of multiple, complex data sets. It hosts one of the largest computing hardware facilities dedicated to life science research in Europe. It is also actively involved in developing novel platforms to provide access to computational tools and processing capacity for multiple academic and industrial users and promoting applications of computational Bioscience. Additionally, the Institute offers a Training programme through courses and workshops, and an Outreach programme targeting schools, teachers and the general public through dialogue and science communication activities. http://www.tgac.ac.uk
About BBSRC
BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by Government, and with an annual budget of around £467M (2012-2013), we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk
For more information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/institutes