Building biotech capacity in Europe
The Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), University of Porto, Portugal, relies on genome-based studies for much of its research in biological diversity. For scientists, it is fundamentally important to embrace technological advances to keep up to date with current trends. The EU-funded CIBIO-NEW-GEN (Capacity building at CIBIO for research using next-gen sequencing) project has developed a next-generation sequencing platform and integrated this into the CIBIO research pipeline. As well as upgrading the existing research infrastructure, new training programmes have been established to accommodate this increased capacity. The project has acquired and implemented two next-generation sequencing (NGS) systems, one high- and the other medium-throughput, as the foundation of the new platform. Operators receive training, while experienced scientists have been recruited to help researchers take full advantage of the technology. The selected Illumina HiSeq 1500 and the Illumina benchtop MiSeq sequencers include a variety of support equipment to make the NGS workflow complete and fully functional. In-house test runs and protocol implementations were performed. CIBIO is currently able to provide a number of specific NGS and downstream data analyses services both internally at the institute as well as nationally in Portugal. A series of TV documentaries were produced during the project and these are currently being broadcasted in the main Portuguese TV channel RTP1, keeping the public informed and interested. Other dissemination activities included two booklets covering the institutes NGS conservation and evolution research activities, seminars, conferences, meetings and information days. This dissemination enabled CIBIO to connect with both the private and public sectors. Collaboration proposals have been completed or are under discussion with hospitals and research centres. A spin-off company is being planned through collaboration with a French biotech firm. Quality research and international recognition will make it possible to attract more private investments and make the project results sustainable long term. CIBIO has become a significant player in the European Research Area (ERA) and actively contributed to regional economy and social welfare. The CIBIO-InBIO activities in the area of NGS are being sustained through a Horizon 2020 project which was approved and initiated last year (EnvMetaGen – Capacity Building at InBIO for Research and Innovation Using Environmental Metagenomics” - Reference Nº 668981).
Keywords
Biotech, sequencing, biodiversity, CIBIO, next-generation sequencing, European Research Area
