Genomics Strategic Core Platform

The unit have moved, from a position of no ownership with research scientist acting as a postbox for most of their genomics output, to now, a highly equipped facility, with the capacity for wide range of genomics application, including human whole genome sequencing. This has paid off spectacularly with unit’s contribution and response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the successful sequencing of Covid-19 isolates in The Gambia. contributing directly to the country public health response to the pandemic. The platform will continue developing genomics support to our West African partners in establishing the local capacity to perform sequencing thus achieving decentralization and spreading of ownership and strengthening genomics in our sub-region. We will develop the platform ability to perform genomics experiment, data analysis and interpretation, locally on large genomes and being able to undertake large population type genomics. The unit will continue to invest in the establishment of a regional genomic centre of excellence and a specialist high throughput genomics platform for West Africa.

Genomics Strategic Core Platform -

The move towards high throughput genomics technologies will increase the unit genomics sequencing and data output. The genomics core platform will link the genomics facility with the data science platform (Bioinformatics, HPC, AI) and strengthen current capabilities and work towards becoming a hub for genomics service provider, centre of excellence for establishing SOP and protocols, training in the sub-region. This vision will be pursued vigorously with the aim of establishing a formal sub-regional sequencing service provider that will have visibility for collaboration, joint grant application and revenue earning potential.
There is a niche in the sub-region for a provider of this vital service and the ongoing unit-wide programme of accreditation standards will provide relevant experience for the platform to be genomics clinical testing centre and for all its sequencing platforms to achieving the standard required internationally to be certified/accredited service provider.
Funding will be sought to support a system for periodic assessment of sample integrity by whole genome amplification (WGA) that allow wider use of stored samples in the unit Biobank, expanding on the system been developed and established for a current project. One key area is developing a platform operated by proactive group continually evolving, seeking out new challenges to solve and new technologies to exploit. And active involvement in knowledge and technology transfer through extension, networks and partnerships experience in training MSc and Post Doc fellows, visitors, and interns.

The platform will contribute to the overall Institutional capacity development and will involve improving staff and stakeholder skills, knowledge and experience as well as developing infrastructure, financial resourcefulness, organizational culture, and learning. And thus, strengthening the capacity for influencing policy effectively by working with National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health. We will put in place strategies to attract and retain a new generation of technically qualified staffs and at the same time increase the impact and scale of capacity development for genomics interventions and investment. Secure core-funding for post graduate qualifications and for establishing a R and D and training activities on research areas in the facility. Our status as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for New Vaccines Surveillance, Pandemic Preparedness, will open improved opportunities for exchange of information and technical cooperation with other institutions in West Africa, in particular at the international level, and to mobilize additional and important resources from funding partners.