Accelerating genetic research in Exeter with the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 DNA Sequencing System (360G-Wellcome-218247_Z_19_Z)

We request funds to purchase an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 DNA Sequencing System. This will enable the University of Exeter to sequence DNA from humans and other species relevant to human health with the best possible efficiency, throughput, speed, and flexibility. Our current Illumina HiSeq 2500 system is approaching the end of its useful lifespan. Replacing it with the NovaSeq 6000 will reduce running costs by ~75%. Local accessibility to the most up-to-date DNA sequencing technology is critical to many researchers, especially those translating research into the NHS, and underpins several "flagship" Exeter research programmes. The current equipment is routinely used by groups in the Medical School and Biosciences, and existing demand exceeds capacity. Local access to DNA sequencing has enabled Exeter researchers to drive world leading studies identifying the genetic basis of diseases including diabetes, obesity, dementia and schizophrenia, and enabled us to establish internationally-renowned projects in epigenomics and transcriptomics. The sequencer will be managed and operated as a Research Facility within the University, by an experienced sequencing team established more than 10 years ago, to provide a key resource for the biomedical research community in Exeter and beyond that is critical to our continued innovation and leadership in genomics.