Eagle Genomics and Quadram Institute team up to explore microbiome science
Eagle Genomics has teamed up with the Quadram Institute to further the understanding of microbiome science.
The two will share datasets, innovation pipelines and tools under the partnership.
The microbiome is the population of trillions of bacteria and microbes that colonise our tissues, organs and the wider environment.
Our understanding of these biological systems and their role in health and disease is growing fast, with sequencing used by laboratories to identify which species of microbes are present in microbiome ecosystems. Reading the sequence of their genes, we can then began to comprehend the functions they might have.
Wellcome Genome Campus-based Eagle Genomics has developed its e[datascientist] platform to enable scientists to share their work and establish new connections, while more easily interrogating, integrating and streamlining new datasets.
It is involved in the food, healthcare, personal care and beauty and agbio sectors.
The ability to analyse multi-omic data from humans, plants, animals and the soil, along with their interactions with their hosts, is expected to play an increasing role in a host of sectors.
Eagle Genomics’ tools can be used in everything from studying the safety of alternative forms or protein to exploring skincare products to driving down the carbon footprints of food processing and agriculture.
CEO Anthony Finbow said: “Our new knowledge partnership with the Quadram Institute presents an exciting opportunity to share and provide access to novel datasets and tools through e[datascientist], providing invaluable insights in minutes rather than months.
“At Eagle Genomics, we firmly believe that the microbiome has a critical role to play across numerous industries, both now and in the future.
“In order better to understand these intricate relationships and unlock radical innovation opportunities, it is critical to be able to efficiently interrogate multi-dimensional microbiome data.This is where e[datascientist] is playing an invaluable role.
“By harnessing nature - including its complex networks and associated multi-dimensional data - we can help tackle the world’s ‘Grand Challenges’ while unlocking significant economic potential.”
The partnership builds on an agreement announced in September 2021 with the Earlham Institute, a Norwich-based leader in data-intensive bioscience research.
Under the latest collaboration, Eagle Genomics will work with research group leaders at the Quadram Institute to exploit multi-dimensional, multi-omic biological data.
Dr Andrew Tingey, senior director, global IP and licensing strategy, Eagle Genomics, said: “Building a network of key knowledge partners with world-leading research institutes is a critical area of focus for us, and this latest partnership demonstrates commitment to building that network and augments our previously announced partnership with the Earlham Institute.
“We look forward to working with both Institutes and deepening our work together on our journey to becoming a global open platform for data innovation - combining open science and commercial R&D to benefit each partner and society.”
Dr Roberto Zanchi, Head of Business Development, Quadram Institute, said: “Our world-leading work on genomics and multi-omics continues to help both the UK and low- and middle-income countries around the world deliver genomic surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and is built on our long-standing expertise around pathogens in the food chain.
“Data science is also absolutely key to our research at the Quadram Institute into the gut microbiome and its influence on human health, all of which is mediated by the complex interactions of micro-organisms, the food we eat, and the environment of the gastro-intestinal tract itself.”
The e[datascientist] platform uses artificial intelligence and network science to surface scientific connections and explore multi-causal relationships. It aids digitisation, reducing the threat of working in silos and supports the whole R&D workflow.
The company is also in discussions with other organisations over the use of its platform.
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