THE SCOTTISH GENOMES PARTNERSHIP
Pioneering Scottish research in Human Genome discovery
The Scottish Genomes Partnership programme of research has now finished.
Researchers across Scotland led research on 4 key areas from February 2016 to February 2020.
These were cancer, rare genetic diseases, a Scottish population study and a significant collaboration with the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project.
2015
Year Established
2588
Genomes Sequenced
12
Collaborators
4
Scottish Centres
COLLABORATORS
The Scottish Genomes Partnership was a major Scotland-wide research programme between the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, with NHS Scotland, NHS Lothian, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Grampian and NHS Tayside.
The programme was led by Professor Tim Aitman (University of Edinburgh) and Professor Andrew Biankin (University of Glasgow), and was funded by the Scottish Government's Chief Scientist Office and the UK's Medical Research Council.
The research included a collaboration with the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project led by Professor Zosia Miedzybrodzka. Recruitment to this study was through the nationally designated NHS Scotland regional Clinical Genetics units and genetic laboratories in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. These sites provide Genetic services across Scotland and were able to recruit participants to the 100,000 Genomes Project from all over Scotland.
WHAT IS GENOMICS?
Genomics brings together academic research, practising clinicians and commercial experts to understand more about how our genes affect our health and risks of disease. This research is finding new personalised treatments and medicines.
Genomes and DNA
Your genome is your body's instruction manual, with all the information needed to make, run and repair you. It is made of DNA and there is a copy in every cell of your body.
Whole Genome Sequencing
A technique used to "read" all of the DNA in a person's genes letter by letter, to allow scientists to compare it with the DNA of other people.
Genome damage
Sometimes when our cells divide, a mistake happens when our DNA is copied. This is a gene mutation - which can be thought of as a glitch - and can lead to illness.
If you're interested in learning more about Whole Genome Sequencing and the use of Genomics in Healthcare, you can sign up for free online courses available though FutureLearn (part of The Open University).