Science

Our science is organised into six Scientific Programmes, each defining a major area of research with a particular biological, disease, analytic or generative focus. In all cases, the studies provide insights into human, pathogen, cellular evolution, the phenotypic and hence biological consequences of genome variation and the processes which cause mutations.

Cancer, Ageing and Somatic mutation

Provides data aggregation and informatics innovation, develops high-throughput cellular models of cancer for genome-wide functional screens and drug testing, and explores the role somatic mutation plays in clonal evolution, ageing and development. Find out more

Cellular Genetics

Uses single-cell approaches and “cell atlas” technologies to understand human genetics at the cellular level. Combines cutting-edge techniques in wet and dry lab to further understanding of human health, development and disease. Find out more

Generative and Synthetic Genomics

The Generative and Synthetic Genomics Programme combines large-scale data generation and artificial intelligence to lay the foundations for predictive and programmable molecular biology and the routine synthesis and engineering of genomes. Find out more

Human Genetics

Drives understanding of genetic causes and biological mechanisms of disease susceptibility and progression, focuses on developmental disorders and diseases of the blood and immune system. Integrates population-scale genetics, longitudinal clinical data, and large-scale genetic perturbation studies in cellular model systems. Aims to transform the clinical utility of human genetic variation. Find out more

Parasites and Microbes

We are using genomics to get at important problems in infectious disease, with a strong desire to translate this into tools for disease control and elimination, but we are also at the forefront of basic research into microbial ecology, evolutionary genetics and the biology of parasitism. Find out more

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life Programme investigates the diversity of complex organisms (eukaryotes) found in the UK through sequencing and cellular technologies. It also compares and contrasts species’ genome sequences to unlock insights into evolution and conservation. Find out more

Genomic Surveillance Unit

The Unit supports partners worldwide with practical tools for pandemic preparedness and local infectious disease control.

We develop, run, support and maintain open products: all the way from sample collection in the field, through high-throughput laboratory sequencing, to the delivery and interrogation of analysis-ready data.

Our groups

Our research is built upon our Faculty and Associate Faculty research leaders. Each develops his or her own hypothesis-driven research, seeking answers to important biomedical questions. Faculty and Associate Faculty members lead their own groups of postdoctoral fellows, PhD students and support staff.

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Our collaborations

Our ability to conduct large-scale, high-throughput genomic studies enables our researchers to play leading roles in national and international projects: spanning cancer, infectious disease, human epidemiology and developmental disorders.

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Data

All our software tools are made available to the research community and comply with our open-access policy, recognising that community improvement is essential to maximising efficiencies in software development.

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Tools

As a leading genomics centre, the Sanger Institute often needs to develop software solutions to novel biological problems.

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Recent publications

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Sanger Institute PhD and MPhil theses

To download and read the theses of our students – from 2004 onwards – please use the link below

Staff PhD and MPhil theses in pdf format

Careers and Study

Policies

Archive

Leadership

Faculty

Science

Explore our programmes

Cancer, Ageing and Somatic mutation

Cellular Genetics

Generative and Synthetic Genomics

Human Genetics

Parasites and Microbes

Tree of Life

Genomic Surveillance Unit

Explore our science

Our groups

Our collaborations

Data

Tools

Recent publications

Sanger Institute PhD and MPhil theses

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