Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is one of the foremost centres of genomics research and innovation in the world, carrying out leading edge scientific research that uses genome sequences to understand the biology of humans and pathogens (organisms that cause disease, such as bacteria and viruses). The major theme of the Institute’s science is genome variation - naturally occurring and engineered. This field of study provides us with insights into the evolution of humans and pathogens; human development and ageing; the consequences of genome variation at levels from the single cell to the whole organism; and interactions between pathogens and hosts. The applications of this work are mainly in rare and common genetic diseases, cancer and infection. The Institute leads ambitious collaborations across the globe that create the necessary networks of experts and facilities to support highly excellent research and transformative healthcare innovations, worldwide. We carry out studies that are of design and scale that cannot be conducted in most biomedical research institutes; our science is on an industrial scale, generating and analysing vast quantities of data. The Institute’s many successes are founded on the expertise and knowledge of the people who work there. Faculty members conceive and deliver the Institute’s science and innovation activity, driving organisational aspirations with their vision, imagination, and intellectual vigour. Sharing discoveries and techniques with the next generation of genomics scientists and researchers, worldwide, is a vital part of the Institute’s work.