Genomic Surveillance Unit (GSU)
Predict, Prevent, Protect
Working at the intersection of genomics, data, and global public health, we are developing revolutionary advances in how we detect, control, and ultimately prevent the spread of infectious diseases worldwide.
We collaborate with governments, industry, policymakers, researchers, and NGOs to harness genomic solutions to build a healthier world.
What we offer
1. Products, services, and expertise for pathogen genomics
We have extensive experience curating and analysing trends in large genomic data resources; optimising, scaling, and decentralising protocols; and operating in complex and rapidly changing global networks. We are a recognised leader in sequencing, data analysis, and capacity strengthening.
Building on world-class infrastructure at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we offer a range of tools and processes that can turn genomic data into actionable defence strategies such as vaccines, treatments, and control measures.
- How do I find new targets for drugs and vaccines?
- Which strains of respiratory virus are circulating?
- What are the genetic markers for resistance to the drugs in use?
If you are asking questions about pathogen genomics, get in touch.
2. Integration and analytics for genomic and non-genomic data
We understand that the world is complex and that genomics alone cannot tell the full story of a disease or an outbreak. But it can add valuable insight when it’s combined with information about changes in control strategies, populations, or climates across time and space.
Using state-of-the-art approaches to data ingestion and curation, we analyse large volumes of both genomic and non-genomic data to answer important questions about deadly pathogens and their vectors.
- How quickly is resistance evolving?
- How are changes to population and climate affecting disease risk?
- Which drugs are likely to work in which areas?
To get started integrating genomic and non-genomic data in order to build a clearer picture of the likely trajectory of outbreaks, get in touch.
3. Implementation and mobilisation support
This work to predict and prevent disease outbreaks in order to protect global health is only possible in collaboration with a range of experts across industries and borders. We are trusted partners in strengthening laboratory, bioinformatics, and administrative capacity. Through tailored approaches, we support every stage of the process from sample acquisition, laboratory processing, and sequencing through to data analysis and effective communication of results.
- How do I build scalable infrastructure?
- How do I analyse my data for decision-making?
- What does the end-to-end process of genomic surveillance look like in my context?
To start deploying solutions for complex public health problems, get in touch.
Why choose the GSU?
As a solution-focused organisation with a proven track record of delivery, we’re able to move at pace to help customers, collaborators, and partners make evidence-informed decisions that better protect global health.
Leveraging the world-leading infrastructure of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, we have built an agile and multidisciplinary team who are ready to help you unlock the insights you need to make a bigger impact on global health.
Our impact
Understanding how climate impacts health
We are collaborating with icddr,b in Bangladesh to combine genomic and environmental data and explore how climate stressors such as rising sea levels may influence disease dynamics. Part of this effort involves modernising and linking historical health databases to support broader analysis.
Building global, multi-pathogen surveillance systems
In collaboration with the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) in South Africa, we are piloting integrated surveillance of multiple respiratory pathogens, using standardised protocols to enable data sharing and joint analysis.
Scaling up a world-leading COVID-19 sequencing operation
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, genomic surveillance was largely considered a research activity. We scaled up an unprecedented sequencing operation that interfaced directly with government partners, proving that genomic surveillance could be a valuable tool for public health.
Large genomic data resources that save lives
Malaria is a ferociously complex disease, with humans, malaria parasites, and the mosquitoes that carry them locked in an evolutionary arms race. By maintaining the world’s largest genomic data resources on malaria, we enable research and better public health decision making. We are pioneers in open data sharing, building community, creating training resources, and maintaining high data standards.
