Norwich, United Kingdom
July 3, 2009
A new UK national genome centre is
being officially opened today by Nobel Laureate and genome
pioneer Prof Sir John Sulston and the Lord-Lieutenant of
Norfolk.
The
Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) will further the UK’s capacity
in genomics - the science of understanding the genetic makeup of
organisms and the genetic differences that exist between
individuals. This knowledge can then be used for developments
that include the production of new antibiotics to fight
‘superbugs’, breeding of new crops with increased tolerance of
drought, and the breeding of livestock better able to resist
emerging exotic disease. TGAC will underpin these advances as
well as making a significant contribution to economic
development.
TGAC has been established in Norwich by the Biotechnology and
Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in partnership with
regional economic development partners – The East of England
Development Agency (EEDA), Norfolk County Council, South Norfolk
Council, Norwich City Council and the Greater Norwich
Development Partnership. The centre represents an investment by
all the partners in the capital infrastructure of £13.5M.
Speaking
about the opening, Minister of State for Science and Innovation,
Lord Drayson said:
“The UK is a world leader in genomics, which is increasingly
essential to understanding how to tackle the challenges we face
in food security, the development of eco-friendly fuels and
fighting superbugs.
“This project goes to show that partnership is the key to
success - the new centre will help to advance vital research as
well as stimulate economic development and generate new jobs.”
TGAC science will concentrate on understanding the genomes of
economically and socially important plants, animals and
microbes. The exact projects that TGAC will initially work on
will be decided by an independent advisory board but candidates
include:
- Helping to replace
petrol with eco-friendly bioenergy
By sequencing the genome of perennial ryegrass, an
important source of energy for livestock, scientists will
gain the knowledge to increase the crop’s yield while
reducing fertiliser requirements – making sustainable
bioenergy a real option
- Protecting livestock
from exotic diseases
Emerging exotic diseases pose a serious threat to UK
livestock. A major outbreak would threaten farmers’
livelihoods, increase meat and diary prices for consumers
and put animal welfare at risk. Understanding the genomes of
livestock such as sheep will help breeders raise animals
resistant to disease.
- Producing more
nutritious fruit and vegetables
Certain fruit and vegetables contain beneficial
compounds that have been associated with reduced incidence
of some cancers. Better understanding of the genetic
mechanisms underlying the synthesis of these compounds could
allow the breeding of, for example, tomatoes with higher
amounts of antioxidants.
The sequencing of these and other
genomes will create a huge amount of data. The successful
handling and interpretation of the data will be critical to TGAC
fulfilling its potential. To achieve this, TGAC will become a
national centre of excellence in bioinformatics – the
application of computer science and statistical analysis to
biological research.
A key aim for TGAC is to combine world-class genome science with
an innovation programme that aims to benefit the regional and
national economy. TGAC will utilise its own discoveries to
maximise economic and social impact and is also committed to
making cutting edge facilities available to UK industry. As part
of the Norwich Research Park, TGAC will be a key player in the
delivery of the Park’s new vision which aims to create hundreds
of new, high-value jobs.
Dr
Jane Rogers (photo), Director of TGAC, said: “The
Genome Analysis Centre will give the UK a lead in the sequencing
of the genomes of plants, animals and microbes. By concentrating
on specific organisms and problems we will develop an
understanding of the genetic makeup of economically important
crops and livestock animals. In addition, the genomic analysis
of microbes will be a major focus, not only because they infect
both animals and plants, but because they are already a source
of drugs for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections
and therefore they have the potential to provide new, superbug
beating antibiotics.”
Sheila Childerhouse, Deputy Chair of EEDA and speaking on
behalf of England's regional development agencies, said:
“RDAs investment and economic leadership is key to the
development of bioscience in our regions. It is a future growth
sector and one which will help lead the UK to economic recovery.
“In the East of England, EEDA is delighted to support the Genome
Analysis Centre because it strengthens Norwich as a major
science city. It will bring high-value jobs and increased
commercialisation and attract innovative science and technology
companies to the region.”
Brian Iles, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at
Norfolk County Council, said: “I'm extremely pleased to see
the Genome Analysis Centre officially open for business, and
'business' is the key word here. The centre is estimated to
generate £5 million of revenue annually and create up to 750
highly-skilled local jobs through commercial development in the
next three to seven years. Norfolk County Council has pledged £1
million of funding over two years in bringing this world-class
facility to the Norwich Research Park and we see this as an
excellent investment for the people of Norfolk.”
South Norfolk Council Leader John Fuller said: “This
launch is a momentous occasion for all of Norfolk, and a turning
point in the history of Norwich Research Park. The support for
TGAC is one of the largest investments that our local
authorities have made for many years and it demonstrates our
commitment to making this science park one of the very best in
the world.”
Steve Morphew, Leader of Norwich City Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Norwich. Not only will hundreds of
highly skilled jobs be created directly and indirectly from the
opening of TGAC but Norwich’s reputation as a major research
centre for health and life sciences will also be further
enhanced. Hi-tech commercial companies are also likely to
develop out of the centre’s academic research, creating more
jobs. Norwich City Council has put in £250,000 of funding from
our Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) programme, as we
feel the TGAC will benefit enterprise in the city.
“TGAC will benefit local people and students from the University
of East Anglia who want to remain in Norwich and develop their
careers after completing their studies. It will also help
attract new investors into the region.
“Norwich City Council fully supports TGAC - it will benefit the
local economy and safeguard its future for years to come.”
The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) has been established as a
national centre of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences
Research Council (BBSRC). The Centre is being funded in
partnership with economic development partners: the East of
England Development Agency (EEDA), Norfolk County Council, South
Norfolk Council, Norwich City Council and the Greater Norwich
Development Partnership - all of whom are making significant
investments.
The John Innes Centre is also providing some capital investment.
TGAC scientific programmes will be determined by an independent
scientific advisory board which will include members nominated
by BBSRC and the economic development partners.
TGAC staff will be employees of BBSRC.
For more information about TGAC visit:
www.tgac.bbsrc.ac.uk
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
(BBSRC) is the UK funding agency for research in the life
sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually invests around
£450 million in a wide range of research that makes a
significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens
and supports a number of important industrial stakeholders
including the agriculture, food, chemical, healthcare and
pharmaceutical sectors. BBSRC carries out its mission by funding
internationally competitive research, providing training in the
biosciences, fostering opportunities for knowledge transfer and
innovation and promoting interaction with the public and other
stakeholders on issues of scientific interest in universities,
centres and institutes.
The Babraham Institute, Institute for Animal Health, Institute
of Food Research, John Innes Centre and Rothamsted Research are
Institutes of BBSRC. The Institutes conduct long-term,
mission-oriented research using specialist facilities. They have
strong interactions with industry, Government departments and
other end-users of their research.
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