Our Work

Whole genome sequencing - the impact of new DNA sequencing technologies 

Thanks to recent developments, within the next few years rapid and affordable whole genome sequencing (WGS) will be possible. The potential impact for health is vast, but to ensure that the opportunities for genomic medicine are promptly, effectively and responsibly harnessed, important questions must be considered:

• What is the role of WGS technologies in medicine and public health?
   
• How will they affect routine clinical practice, and what ethical principles should guide their implementation?
   
• What operational barriers exist to adoption within health services, and how should they be tackled?

This major new programme of work will evaluate and address the implications of WGS for health and society, identifying the best health applications and producing recommendations to direct their optimal application in health services to improve patient care.

Further information about this project (short PDF document)