Wales edges closer to being at the forefront of genomics expertise

Wales is edging closer to being at the forefront of genomics after the NHS signed an ambitious new collaboration with a leading science technology company.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the NHS in Wales and Illumina will build on existing research into lung cancer diagnostics, with the ambition to further expand into other cancer types, and into wider areas of genomics with the aim of prevention, earlier diagnosis and personalised treatments.

It will support efforts to improve the development of new technologies, clinical approaches and treatments, medicines, vaccines and services to support preventative care.

The MoU has been signed by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff University, Public Health Wales and Illumina Cambridge Limited, in collaboration with the Welsh Government, and facilitated by Life Science Hub Wales and Genomics Partnership Wales.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles visited the Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru (Wales Genomic Health Centre) in Cardiff earlier today (November 7) to meet the Genomics Partnership Wales partners and Illumina to see first-hand how Wales is striving to lead the way in this area.

He said: “This agreement has the potential to make a huge difference to preventative cancer care for people in Wales.

“Our ambition is for Wales to be at the forefront of genomics and this Memorandum of Understanding reflects our efforts to strategically partner homegrown talent and ingenuity with industry to help achieve this and strengthen our resilience for the future.

“We believe that working together pooling knowledge and expertise, as well as making better use of the scarce resources available, will boost research into the sector.”

Suzanne Rankin, Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics Partnership Wales, said:

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the field of genomic medicine, and I believe that the strategic collaboration of these organisations represents a fantastic opportunity for Wales to continue strengthening their position in this area.

“The signing of this agreement will support all collaborators in working alongside one another towards a shared set of objectives, optimising care for patients whilst improving the wellbeing of the wider population." 

Mark Robinson, Illumina's Vice President and General Manager, UK and Ireland, and Northern Europe, said:

“Illumina is committed to collaborating to advance the field of genomic medicine.

“Our hope with this Memorandum of Understanding with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff University, and Public Health Wales, is that it will enable an even deeper engagement in collaborative research activities and clinical trials that have the potential to save lives through embedding genomic testing into routine care.”

Notes to editors

Genomics Delivery Plan for Wales (2022-25)

The MoU outlines a shared vision to foster co-production in genomics and promote seamless integration across the health and social care system in Wales.

The envisioned collaboration seeks to provide numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Shared Understanding - Enhanced cross-partner access to centres of excellence and genomics networks to support partners in fostering a deeper understanding of individual work programmes and processes.
• Strategic Collaboration - Opportunities for joint-working on projects to reduce duplication of work across organisations whilst facilitating the engagement of a broader range of stakeholders and the improvement of existing programmes of work.
• Economies of Scale and Scope - Partners will be better able to combine resources and share the benefit of evidence-based practices; to achieve greater efficiency in genomics research and application.
• Knowledge Exchange - Promoting cross-partner knowledge sharing as well as sharing across the broader genomics ecosystem to lead to higher quality technological outputs, improved access to training, and more effective approaches to opportunities and challenges.
• Professional Development - Improved options for individuals when seeking training and networking opportunities; allowing for easier sharing of skills and experience, and increased exposure to new areas of work.
• Industry Development - Partners working side by side to identify further opportunities to develop the genomics industry in Wales, considering potential investment in new technologies, access to grants and sponsorships, and commercial opportunities.