In pictures: Princess Anne visits Illumina at Granta Park to celebrate World DNA Day
To celebrate World DNA Day on Thursday, 25 April, Princess Anne paid a visit to Illumina at its headquarters at Granta Park.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence, was also present.
Illumina, a company that develops DNA sequencing and array-based life sciences technologies to enable research discovery and personalised health, also invited 150 children from local schools to participate and learn about genomics, gaining hands-on experience sequencing strawberries.
World DNA Day celebrates advancements in genomics and aims to promote awareness of how genomic research can change people’s lives.
[Read more: Princess Royal officially opens Cambridgeshire’s first ‘real-life’ bricklaying apprenticeship training hub]
Illumina is a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies and is at the forefront of genomics, helping to advance a wide range of research areas including cancer, rare diseases and reproductive health.
Mark Robinson, VP and GM, UK and Ireland, Illumina, said: “We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, along with local schoolchildren, to learn about genomics at our headquarters in Cambridgeshire for DNA Day.
“Each year we celebrate DNA Day to recognise the importance of genomics and how it can positively impact people’s lives.
“Driven by advancements in DNA sequencing, genomics enables the prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases with unparalleled precision and personalisation, supporting better health outcomes.
“As a company with a long and rich heritage in Cambridge, our commitment at Illumina extends beyond innovation, supporting equitable access to STEM education and fostering the next generation of scientists.
“With our global literacy initiatives like 'The Future Is Bright,' we aim to inspire and empower learners worldwide, driving progress in fields from oncology to infectious diseases, and beyond.”
On the same day she visited Illumina, Her Royal Highness also visited the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) new apprenticeship training hub, also in Cambridge.
For more information on Illumina, visit illumina.com.
