EASI-Genomics

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has taken modern research by storm and consequently is one of the most important tools of modern biological and biomedical research. However, the high cost of instrumentation and reagents, the multifaceted expertise required for correct use and the legal and ethical issues hamper access to NGS technologies for many researchers. EASI-Genomics addresses those challenges by unifying the major European genome centers that provide external access to their facilities. The mission of EASI-Genomics is to facilitate access to cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies to researchers from both academia and industry, within a framework that ensures compliance with ethical and legal requirements, as well as FAIR and secure data management. EASI-Genomics will provide fully funded access to more than 150 transnational access projects, selected through public calls and a rigorous, fair and transparent peer-review process. Each funded study will be supported from design, through sequencing, to data analysis. EASI-Genomics will provide more than 100 Tb of sequence and more than 25,000 hours of bioinformatic, analytical and data management support to the user community. As outlined in the call, EASI-Genomics will provide access to advanced methods that go beyond what is commercially available. The focus will be on more complex procedures involving short-reads, long-reads, in situ sequencing and single-cell analysis. Complex integrative projects and projects on non-human samples will also be highlighted. Finally, EASI-Genomics will support the wider NGS community to improve their quality control processes by offering open inter-laboratory comparisons allowing them to obtain ISO certification and accreditation in line with many of the EASI-Genomic partners. The EASI-Genomics project aims to build a community of practice, which leverages advanced sequencing technologies beyond country and sector borders to tackle global challenges in science.