A new national genome centre was officially opened on the Norwich Research Park on 3 July. The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) was officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, following a keynote speech from Prof Sir John Sulston, a Nobel Prize winning scientist who had a key role in the Human Genome Project.
Genomics is 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’, the breeding of new crops with increased tolerance of drought and the breeding of livestock better able to resist emerging exotic disease. TGAC will contribute to these advances as well as contributing to the Norwich Research Park vision that aims to create hundreds of new high value jobs.
The Centre has been established by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in partnership with regional economic development partners – 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.
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