Infectious disease and genomics
Knowledge emerging from the genomic sequencing of pathogens is fuelling more effective interventions to prevent and manage the spread of infectious diseases
Research
Genomic technologies play a vital role in the control of infectious disease threats. The rapid and accurate analysis of microbial DNA microbial enables detection of new threats and outbreaks and insights into how and where infections are being passed on. This new knowledge is fuelling more effective interventions to prevent and manage the spread of disease.
Keeping up with the science
Bringing our expertise in infectious disease genomics and policy, we have worked with international organisations to help them understand recent developments in genomic technologies and their implications for infectious disease testing and control. This included producing a report on SARS-CoV-2 variants for the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), which explains how genomics is being used to help identify and manage the impact of recent coronavirus ‘variants of concern’.
In addition, we reported on how sequencing technologies had been used to understand and mitigate the pandemic. Next generating sequencing for SARA-CoV-2 expands on the impact of identifying variants of concern and the role of genomic surveillance for informing public health and policy.
COVID-19 contributions
We continually undertake horizon-scanning to identify and understand the emerging science that could have big impacts for health and policy. Back in 2018, our RNA vaccines briefing set out the potential for this innovative new form of vaccine. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, interest in this resource has rocketed.
We have subsequently created an explainer on how genomics is used in pandemics, and a series of blogs discussing scientific and medical developments relating to the pandemic, especially in genomics. Our legal and ethical experts also contributed to the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health briefing on responsible data sharing during the pandemic.
Pathogen genomics
We first began working on infectious disease genomics and policy back in 2015, when our landmark Pathogen genomics into practice report was released. This and associated briefings highlighted how genomics was being used for infectious disease control in the UK, and made practical policy recommendations build on this biomedical excellence for strengthen health protection capacity.
Further blogs
- Genomic surveillance in the roll out of vaccines
- COG-UK: is it meeting expectations?
- Further genetic clues to severe COVID-19
- Pathogen genomics initiative to boost disease control in Africa
- A new era for vaccine development?
- Genetic and immune basis of severe COVID-19 cases revealed
- Putting AI to work against COVID-19
- The relevance of coronavirus mutation
- COVID-19 and individual risk: the role of genomics
- Citizen generated data in a pandemic
- Using whole genome sequencing to help combat COVID-19
- Reports
- Policy briefings
-
Protecting patients from healthcare associated infections: a role for genomics
-
Genomics for infection control: meeting local and national needs
-
One health genomics - why animal diseases matter for human health
-
Genomics and the management of antimicrobial resistance: current successes and future challenges
-
Leading the way: driving the delivery of pathogen genomics into practice
- Consultation responses
-
Best practice in communicating the results of new scientific research to the public
-
Choosing the Future: Genetics and Reproductive Decision Making
-
On Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) - forms and guidance (DCA CP 01/06)
-
On the Draft Code of Practice to the Mental Capacity Act 2005
-
A Framework for a Fairer Future: Proposals for a Single Equality Bill for Great Britain
-
Guidance on nominating a consultee for research involving adults who lack capacity to consent
-
Regulations to implement the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008
-
Medical profiling and online medicine: The ethics of 'personalised' healthcare in a consumer age
-
A Common Framework of Principles for direct-to-consumer genetic testing services
-
Request for Information on the NIH plan to develop the Genetics Testing Registry (GTR)
-
Call for evidence on the current data protection legislative framework
-
Tabled amendments to draft EU regulations on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDDR)
-
Comments on Incidental Findings from the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
-
Nuffield Council on Bioethics - Genome Editing Open Call for Evidence
-
Call for views and evidence on non-invasive prenatal testing
-
National Data Guardian for health and care's review of data security, consent and opt-outs
-
Preparing the healthcare workforce to deliver the digital future
-
Consultation response: Developing the long term plan for the NHS
-
Consultation response: review of the General Medical council consent guidance
-
Consultation response: stakeholders consultation on draft AI Ethics Guidelines
-
Consultation response: Advancing our Health: Prevention in the 2020s
-
Public consultation about the Caldicott Principles and Caldicott Guardians
-
Nuffield Council of Bioethics consultation - Future of ageing
-
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport: Data Protection
- Blogs