The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) has been officially opened in Norwich by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to further the UK's capacity in genomics.
TGAC has been established by the BBSRC in partnership with regional economic development partners - the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), Norfolk County Council, South Norfolk Council, Norwich City Council and the Greater Norwich Development Partnership.
TGAC science will concentrate on understanding the genomes of economically and socially important plants, animals and microbes.
The exact projects that TGAC will initially work on will be decided by an independent advisory board, but candidates include: helping to replace petrol with eco-friendly bioenergy; protecting livestock from exotic diseases; and producing more nutritious fruit and vegetables.
TGAC will become a national centre of excellence in bioinformatics - the application of computer science and statistical analysis to biological research.
A key aim for TGAC is to combine world-class genome science with an innovation programme to benefit the regional and national economy.
TGAC will utilise its own discoveries to maximise economic and social impact and is also committed to making cutting-edge facilities available to UK industry.
As part of the Norwich Research Park, TGAC will be a key player in the delivery of the Park's vision to create hundreds of new jobs.
