COVID-19 Genomics Initiative at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
Genomic Surveillance
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High-throughput genomic monitoring
We provide high-throughput genomic monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the UK, aiding public health officials in their response to the coronavirus pandemic. We monitor the virus for genetic mutations which could cause it to be more easily transmitted or to escape vaccines.
As part of COG-UK, the Sanger Institute is sequencing the genomes of tens of thousands of coronavirus samples, from people in communities across the country. Our group combines statistical and computational expertise to analyse those genomes, and detect new variants of the virus. We work closely with public health authorities to integrate this data with their work. Tracking variants will help public health officials guide their responses.
Identifying and tracking COVID-19 variants
We monitor the virus genome sequence for any mutations which could affect how vaccines work.
Our people
Core team
Dr Matthew Forbes
Principal Bioinformatician
Dr Frank Schwach
Principal Bioinformatician
Previous team members
Dr Roberto Amato
Head of Data Analysis and Translation
Dr Jeffrey Barrett
Former Director of the COVID-19 Genomics Initiative at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
Richard Goater
Senior Software Developer
Georgia Elizabeth Whitton
Senior Data Scientist