New investment to democratise access to genomics technology

Genomics has revolutionised biological and medical research. Whereas researchers previously focused on single genes, it is now possible to analyse entire genomes and complex networks of biological processes. This has enabled a much deeper understanding of disease mechanisms, infections, and biological diversity.

At the same time, the range of applications has expanded rapidly – from disease research and drug development to microbiology, developmental biology and plant science. However, these advanced technologies rely on costly instrumentation, specialised expertise and substantial data resources, which continue to limit access in many research environments.

With a grant of up to DKK 95 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is now establishing the Genomics Research Infrastructure (GRI) – an open-access facility designed to expand opportunities for working with genomics across the wider regional research landscape.

GRI will particularly support small‑ to medium‑scale research projects by providing access to state‑of‑the‑art sequencing technologies and advanced analysis capacity. Solutions – from experimental design to data analysis – will be developed in close collaboration with, and tailored to, individual research projects, while capacity building and training of research talents will be an integral part of the service portfolio.

From local platform to national infrastructure

The new Genomics Research Infrastructure builds on and significantly expands the reNEW/CPR Genomics Platform that was established in 2017 and supports approximately 180 users with sequencing services, data analysis and training. The platform has been open to researchers across reNEW, CPR, CGEN, ICMM and BMI, demonstrating how centralising equipment and expertise can deliver high quality, operational efficiency and enable new types of research outcomes.

Sequencing specialist Heike Wollmann becomes Director of the new Genomics Research Infrastructure (GRI). Since 2021, she has been affiliated with the reNEW/CPR Genomics Platform, and she led the grant application with support from Professors Anja Groth (CPR) and Kim Jensen (reNEW). Heike Wollmann welcomes the Novo Nordisk Foundation grant, which makes it possible to expand both capacity and the user base:

“We are very excited to be able to open our services more broadly – within and beyond the University of Copenhagen. We are seeing strong demand from a wide range of research areas and building on the experience and results we have already established, we will continue to develop our offerings in line with user needs and implement promising new technologies, such as long-read sequencing.”

With GRI, the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences joins an international trend in which leading research institutions establish and strengthen dedicated genomics service units.

“Experience shows that such platforms not only increase quality and efficiency but also enable entirely new types of research. The existing Genomics Platform has been a major success throughout its eight years of operation. We are therefore very pleased that it is now possible to democratise access to genomics technologies at the University of Copenhagen and maximise the research return on investments in equipment and the expertise that the team brings into the Genomics Research Infrastructure,” says Hans Bräuner, Vice‑Dean for Research.

Part of a broader strategic initiative

GRI is being established as part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences’ new Center for Core Facilities (CCF), which brings together cross‑cutting research infrastructures under a shared organisational framework with a focus on efficient use of resources.

CCF Director Clara Prats looks forward to adding genomics to the centre’s portfolio, which already includes animal models, proteomics and advanced microscopy:

“By bringing together a broad range of core life science technologies, we create an inspiring interdisciplinary and innovative environment that promotes technology and method development and provides optimal conditions for synergy and collaboration across technologies and research fields,” she explains.

The funding covers a five-year period, during which GRI will gradually expand its capacity. If you are interested in accessing GRI, you can register your interest here to receive updates: Genomics Research Infrastructure – University of Copenhagen