Genomics England celebrates its 10-year anniversary
For the last decade, Genomics England has been partnering with the NHS to bring life-changing discoveries to those living with cancer and rare conditions.
Today as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we look back at some of the incredible milestones we have accomplished with our partners and the invaluable contributions of our participants and patients, who’ve donated their data to genomic research.
A decade of bold innovation
It's been 10 years since the 100,000 Genomes Project was announced and Genomics England was formally set up to deliver this landmark project in partnership with the NHS.
This project had the goal of harnessing whole genome sequencing technology to uncover new diagnoses and improve treatments for patients with rare conditions and cancer.
One of our greatest achievements is hitting our target to sequence the genomes of over 100,000 participants living with cancer and rare conditions and their families.
We reached this milestone in December 2018, though analysis of 100,000 Genomes Project participant’s data continues now and into the future.
The impact of the 100,000 Genomes Project
Through the 100,000 Genomes Project, we provided diagnoses to thousands of participants with rare conditions and helped personalise care for many patients with cancer. You can read first-hand accounts from participants of the impact genomic medicine has had on their lives.
The project also paved the way for the establishment of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, the first national health care system to offer whole genome sequencing as part of routine care for patients with rare conditions and certain types of cancer.
We also recognise that many others are still waiting for answers to be found, and our aim remains to identify new diagnoses for those participants.
Where we are now
Building on the foundations of the 100,000 Genomes Project, we are continuing to analyse the genomic and clinical data generously donated by participants. By doing so, we aim to increase the chances of identifying new diagnoses for those who didn’t receive an answer the first-time round.
The 100,000 Genomes Project has also served as a catalyst for several significant developments, and its impact continues to be seen across the multiple areas where our focus lies today.
Three major initiatives
The Newborn Genomes Programme, is a landmark study in partnership with the NHS, which aims to sequence the genomes of over 100,000 newborns to look at the effectiveness of using whole genome sequencing to find and treat rare genetic conditions in newborn babies.
We are also building from the learnings we have made from the cancer arm of the 100,000 Genomes Project and exploring new technologies as part of our Cancer 2.0 programme to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis and enable us to predict the progress of a patient’s cancer.
Through our Diverse Data initiative, we continue to work towards making sure that the datasets we curate are truly reflective of the populations we serve, and that the benefits of genomics are accessible to everyone.
Continued input from participants
At the heart of our efforts, the Participant Panel continues their important work in representing the interests of the thousands of people whose data is held by Genomics England.
They act as the voices of not only 100,000 Genomes Project participants, but participants involved in other key Genomics England projects and initiatives as well as NHS Genomic Medicine Service patients who choose to participate in ongoing research.
Read their reflections on the impact and involvement of the Participant Panel since its inception.
What will the next decade hold?
Since our inception, Genomics England has been at the forefront of genomic research, harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology and data analytics to unlock the secrets hidden within our DNA.
Our partnership with the NHS has been instrumental in driving forward the field of genomics and translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible benefits for patients across the country.
As we mark a decade of innovation and progress, we've asked members of the Genomics England team to look back on the past decade, and ahead at what the future might hold for genomics.
- To kick off our 10-year anniversary blog series, Dr Ellen Thomas shared her perspectives as a clinician on how whole genome sequencing has transformed the world of genomics.
- Amanda Pichini also shared her experience as a genetic counsellor (and now as our Clinical Lead for Genetic Counselling) explaining how genetic counselling is at the heart of genomic healthcare.
Through our special 10-year anniversary episodes of the G Word podcast, members of the Participant Panel reflected on how the patient experience and genomics research landscape has changed over the last decade with invited guests from Genomics England, Genetic Alliance UK and the University of Oxford.
- How can we support complex patient journeys? with Shelley Simmonds, Louise Fish and Amanda Pichini
- Reaching the full potential of genomic research with Dave McCormick, Jenny Taylor and Matt Brown
The age of genomics has started...
But there’s more to be done.
With technology and genomic research continuously advancing, we remain optimistic about the future. In the coming decades, we hope to harness this power to enable new scientific breakthroughs, and in turn, ensure everyone can benefit from genomic healthcare.
