Genomics England is working with Lifebit to develop a next-generation research environment to support research into rare conditions and cancer.
To meet growing research potential and demand, Genomics England has procured an enhanced research environment with improved capability. This will support more complex analysis, improve usability for researchers, and help accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into healthcare. Following a rigorous procurement process, Lifebit has been selected to deliver the platform, drawing on its experience developing secure infrastructure for large-scale analysis of sensitive health data.
Advances in genomic research increasingly depend on the ability to analyse large, complex datasets across many genes and participants. Strengthening the underlying infrastructure is therefore critical to ensuring researchers can make full use of the data and generate meaningful insights, and fully exploit the benefits of AI.
Genomics England is a UK government-owned organisation that delivers whole genome sequencing diagnostics through the NHS. Alongside this, it runs its own major research initiatives and enables research using consented and de-identified genomic and health data held in the National Genomic Research Library. This resource supports scientific discovery and the development of new therapies, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients. Access to this data is provided through a research environment – a secure, centralised platform where approved researchers can analyse data without it leaving the system.
The UK government has emphasised the importance of genomic healthcare in both the Life Sciences Sector Plan and NHS 10 Year Health Plan. The provisioning of a new and improved research environment will drive forward the UK’s position as the best place to discover, test and benefit from genomic innovation.
