COVID-19 Genomics Initiative at the Wellcome Sanger Institute

Parasites and Microbes

Our team is building a comprehensive COVID-19 genomic surveillance programme.

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 also 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 are working closely with public health authorities to integrate this data with their work. Tracking variants will help public health officials guide their responses.

We are also monitoring the virus genome sequence for any mutations which could affect how vaccines work.