Meet the team: UCL Genomics

UCL Genomics is a collaborative research core facility with expertise in state-of-the-art genomics technologies, genomics project design and data analysis. Operational for over 18 years, this core facility uses the most up-to-date equipment to support genomic research requirements, including sample quality, microarrays and sequencing. We have a great team of highly experienced application specialists that offer full support at every stage of each project.

Our highly experienced application specialists are fully trained to use the latest high throughput automation in the genomics field that are housed at UCL Genomics. The team are experts in using these technologies to perform nucleic acid extractions, carry out quality control checks of samples, prepare and process samples for genotyping and methylation microarrays or for next generation sequencing studies.

Although the role can sound routine, each project is very individual. The facility receives over a thousand different genomic projects each year (in a wide variety of fields). A typical day for one of our applications specialists could involve meeting with collaborators to discuss their individual project, providing advice on experimental design, preparing quotes and managing finances and administration, arranging sample delivery, performing quality control checks on the samples, performing microarray processing or sequencing, collating the data (with additional quality control checks) before returning the data to our collaborator. The team are highly experienced in multitasking!

UCL Genomics has grown considerably over the past few years and we have now set up a national methylation clinic that offers turn around times of 72 hours from sample submission to data return. This has resulted in a sharp increase in project submissions over the last few years and has now expanded internationally.

The UCL Genomics team pride itself on being approachable and cooperative with all collaborators, something we focus on in our regular team building exercises (which can range from trampolining to escape rooms!). The entire team are actively involved in education and in our institute and through multiple public engagement initiatives. We often accommodate students, staff, high school pupils, members of the public and sometimes international dignitaries to the facility for training sessions or simply for a visit. Moreover, as a result, some of the team have appeared on multiple TV shows!

In the Zayed Centre for Research, UCL Genomics will be housed in a dedicated genomics laboratory where we can focus on supporting the fantastic research that our collaborators carry out whilst being able to deliver dedicated training and education initiatives. We will have closer access to many research and clinical teams and be in a prime position to work closely with other core facilities. The Zayed Centre for Research will also allow researchers, clinicians and students direct and easier access to our expanding facility and together it will be an even greater opportunity to showcase the fantastic work being done in the Centre.